33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B | Daniel 12:1-3; Mark 13:24-32
I really like to watch “apocalyptic” movies (e.g. Mad Max, the Matrix, World War Z, Snowpiercer etc.). These movies describe a not too distant future in which the world as we know it has been destroyed by some plague, cataclysmic war, environmental destruction or zombie uprising . Although these movies often show a small group of people battling for survival in their new reality, overall these movies are rather grim and fear-inducing. Perhaps I need to reflect on why I like them so much! In the Bible, we find a significant number of apocalyptic texts. The first reading and Gospel today are two examples. Although these apocalyptic texts share some similarities with the movies I have mentioned, there are important differences with respect to 1) who is the main audience of the texts and 2) the emotional response that the works are meant to evoke.
Significantly, apocalyptic texts in the Bible are intended to inspire downtrodden people with a sense of hope. The purpose of apocalyptic movies seem to be quite different. These movies are aimed at a society that is relatively comfortable. The stories are meant to be cautionary tales or inspire fear by pointing out what could happen if suddenly all the things we have are taken away. The first reading today was from the book of Daniel. This text was written in response to persecution of the Jewish people by the Greek King Antiochus IV around the year 165 BC. At this time, Antiochus IV tried to impose Greek culture and religion upon the Jews. He forbade circumcision and Jewish worship. Many Jews were violently persecuted and killed. The book of Daniel was meant give hope to the suffering. Through the use of imaginative and figurative language, the text inspires readers to believe that God is in control. Texts describe battles in heaven which mirror the conflicts on earth. The first reading describes that Michael is a leader in these battles. Just as God triumphs in these heavenly battles, so will God ultimately liberate his people on earth. Elsewhere in the book of Daniel (e.g. chapter 7), an enigmatic figure called the Son of Man is presented. The Son of Man is described as coming on clouds. He receives the power from God - called the “Ancient of Days” - to conquer and rule on behalf of God’s people. The message that God will eventually triumph over all that oppresses his people is meant to fill the downtrodden with a sense of hope.
 |
| Coin depicting Antiochus IV |
Similarly, the Gospel today is meant to inspire those who suffer with the truth that Jesus is in control and will ultimately save them from their tribulations. Like the book of Daniel, the Gospel of Mark was probably written for a community that was suffering persecution or a severe setback. In the portion of Mark we heard today, Jesus uses apocalyptic language. First, he paints a vision of the “times after the tribulation” in which the sun and moon are darkened and the heavens quake. This suggests an undoing of the creation of the sun and the moon that God accomplished on the fourth day of creation recounted in the first chapter of Genesis. The message here is that the current state of the world will come to an end. This does not refer merely to the end of the world, but also to the end of the suffering that the people are enduring now. God will overcome the circumstances that are pressing down on the people and create something better for them. This vindication will come through Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus identifies himself as the Son of Man, the mysterious figure presented in Daniel. Jesus, like the Son of Man, will come on clouds. Since clouds are often associated in the Old Testament with manifestations of God (e.g. Exod 24:16), with this imagery, Jesus seems to be highlighting his own divinity. At the same time, just at the Son of Man received authority and a mission from the Ancient of Days in Daniel, so Jesus was sent by his Father to save humanity from their sorrow. Through the use of rich, biblical imagery, Jesus communicates a clear message. “I know you are suffering now but have hope! I am with you. The time is coming soon when I will overcome what is troubling you and create a new and better situation for you.”
Above all, this message from the Gospel should encourage us when we are in the midst of our own tribulations. Jesus’ apocalyptic language is meant to give hope. Jesus, the Son of Man, has been given power and authority over all things. He will tear down the situations that oppress us and create something new and better for us. He loves us and cares for us. Perhaps we are currently overcome with desolation or depression. The Gospel is an opportunity to remind ourselves that God will eventually bring some consolation into our life as He has done in the past. Maybe current events, whether in politics or within the Church, fill us with anxiety. Jesus’ words remind us that he is in control. He has the power to overcome discord and unjust structures. Perhaps you or someone you love is battling illness. The Gospel is a reminder that Jesus is close to you and that there is hope that he can bring healing. Finally, when we come face to face with the reality of death, Jesus words are meant to encourage. Even after death he creates for a new and better life.
Unlike apocalyptic movies which communicate fear, the apocalyptic language in the first reading and Gospel is meant to encourage us. What area is your life is causing you difficulty? Let us invite Jesus into our lives, confident that he can and will overcome our sufferings and bring about something better.
