Reflection/Homily: Thirty-Third (33rd)
Sunday in Ordinary Time of the Year C (November 17 2013)
Theme: The End Time is Near
The
Prophet Malachi prophesied to the Israelites at a time when there was a great
loss of faith among them. The religious leaders of that time together with the
people lost the sense of the sacred. People no longer fulfilled their religious
obligations because they thought God was no longer interested in their
activities let alone taking records. It was against this backdrop that the
Prophet Malachi emerged to rebuke the people for their religious insensitivity.
As the first reading (Mal. 3:19-20) presents to us, the Prophet Malachi warned
them about the day of the Lord. He reminded them that God will still visit them
on the last day and reward each person according to his/her deeds.
Our
present condition is not also far from that of the Israelites. We also live in
a decadent society which has no regard for the commandments of God. Religion
and morality have so much been customized that each person decides what is
morally good or bad for him or her. Religious leaders prefer to milk from the
flock instead of shepherding them. The wicked graduate in their wickedness
while the just continue to rely on hope. The message of the first reading
therefore comes to us as a message of hope especially for those who still trust
in God and do His will. The Lord will soon arrive. Then, He will punish all
evil doers and exalt the righteous.
