THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B – 16th / 17th November, 2024

In some way, all of today’s readings state that good will finally prevail over evil. In the last days, Michael, the angelic warrior of God, will rise up. In the epistle, Christ is pictured seated triumphantly at the right hand of God with his enemies under his foot, a sign of conquest. Finally, in the gospel, the Son of Man, the mysterious figure from apocalyptic literature, comes in the clouds with great power and glory. All of these images are apocalyptic; each of them is quite hopeful. We read these stories at the close of the liturgical year, because we are coming to the conclusion of our yearly telling of the story of salvation. However, apocalyptic images are timely whenever we find ourselves in the throes of the battle with evil and it appears that we will succumb. These forms will remind us that good will be able to withstand evil. From this we will conclude that we need only trust in God.