Pastor's Corner

17th November, 2024

Soon, the Liturgical Year will come to an end. Consequently, this Sunday's readings describe a time in which the Son of Man will bring about the transformation of the world for the glory of God. In the Gospel, Jesus uses the imagery of the changing seasons as a teaching tool. He explains to his disciples that this world has no lasting value, for only his word will last forever. God will return to gather us all and bring us into his kingdom. In our own time, a number of religious sects have announced the date and time of the end of the world, but failed because their testimony was false. For this reason, the announcement that we hear in the Gospel is not imminent, and the announcement that Jesus gives is not filled with fear, but with hope.

It teaches us to live with hope in the present, in loving service of others and in the name of the one who sacrificed his life for us to overcome evil and death. This is also the message from the Letter to the Hebrews. In today's Second Reading, Christ has sanctified us with one single offering of self, and we should always be grateful for this sacrifice, offering ourselves with Christ on the altar "until he comes again". Our present life anticipates the eternal life to which we are called. For this reason, we must always have a positive and hopeful attitude born out of our faith, as we live in the midst of aggression, hunger, and violence in this world. "What can we do?" Use this basic question to begin group reflection and dialogue among parish ministers and other community groups to prevent divisions, and to seek the assistance of the Holy Spirit in their service.

Rev. Juan J. Sosa
Pastor