Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (B), November 15, 2015 – Dan 12, 1-3; Heb 10, 11-14. 18; Mk 13, 24-32

He took his seat at the right hand of God (Heb 10, 12)

Jesus is our hope.

In difficult, painful and failed times, we are tempted to despair even of humanity’s future. But sometimes, joyful and proud of our accomplishments and of scientific advances, we presume that the planned tower will inevitably reach heaven.

Jesus stands in the midst of those who are tempted. He does not want us to sin by presumption. Being “tarnished by pessimism or sin” does not fit who we are as people saved in hope.

Nor is it becoming of us to presume “that humanity can and must do what no God actually does or is able to do” (Spe Salvi 42). Such presumptuous claim gives birth to “the greatest forms of cruelty and violations of justice.” That selfishness can spoil the good there is in things, in the sciences, too, is illustrated in the parable of the rich fool.

The one who comes to our assistance is the Hope of Israel (Acts 28, 20). He inspires hope: the first disciples follow him right away; whole town comes before him, expecting one form of healing or another; thousands go after him to the desert, hoping to see his signs and hear his teachings.

He teaches us not to worry about our needs, to trust in our heavenly Father who knows what we need and will surely provide for us, so provident that he is, and so powerful that he accomplishes what human beings cannot. He expects those who hope in Providence to sell their belongings and give alms, not to worship money.

But Jesus teaches above all by exemplifying the life devoted first and completely to God’s kingdom and justice. He empties himself of everything, becoming poor to enrich us. So evident is his trust in God that the religious leaders use it to mock him: “He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him.”

And the Just One will hope in God to the end: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” The final outcome will prove that indeed those who put their hope in God, neither despairing nor congratulating themselves vainly and presumptuously, “will always be under God’s protection” (CRCM II, 2; XII, 3). They will know that tribulation and darkness point to and usher in the vision of the glorious Son of Man.

We humans will attain the hoped for outcome only if we follow the way of the Suffering Servant. The Eucharist, memorial of Christ’s passion and pledge of future glory, makes this clear.

Lord, grant us the resiliency of hope.