FACE THE STORM WITH GOD | Homily 17 Nov 2024 with Fr. Jerry Orbos | 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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LESSONS FOR THE JOURNEY
BY Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD

According to a story I heard long time ago, a male dog urinated near a wall which suddenly collapsed, but luckily it survived. From then on, the dog started to spread an important message and lesson, and that is, to raise one hind leg while urinating, for safety and protection!
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In today’s Gospel (Mark 13:24-32), Jesus reminds us to learn and remember our lessons regarding the end-times which will be marked with great tribulations. However, we also must not forget the lesson of hope for His coming with great power and glory. In life, let us learn to prepare for the worst, and always hope for the best.
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As we write, super typhoon “Pepito” is threatening to come to our shores. As a country, let us take all the necessary preparations and precautions. Let us also pray and hope that “Pepito” will be kind, and leave our shores without much damage and harm.
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We pray: Lord, our land is already ravaged by political calamities; please spare us from more natural calamities. Amen!
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“When you walk through a storm; hold your head up high; and don’t be afraid of the dark,” (You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers). May this line of a song remind us to hold on tight to God’s presence. May our storms make us come closer to God, help us become stronger and better persons, and make us learn our life lessons well.
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There is an end-time. Life is short; death is certain. Let us ask ourselves today: “Am I happy, and am I making others happy? Am I holy, and am I leading others to be holy? Am I kind, or am I proud,