THEME: PREPARE FOR THE LORD’S JUDGEMENT
READINGS: Malachi 3:19-20/ 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12/ Luke 21:5-19
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
1. Introduction
Beloved in Christ, as we near the end of the liturgical year, the Church invites us to meditate on the last things—death, judgment, heaven, and hell. Today’s readings from Malachi, 2 Thessalonians, and Luke speak with sobering clarity about the coming judgment of the Lord. Not to terrify us, but to awaken us—to help us live each day with purpose, vigilance, and hope. Our theme today is “Prepare for the Lord’s Judgment.”
2. The Lord’s Judgment
Today’s readings tell us three important truths about the Lord’s judgment:
(a) Judgment is inevitable
The prophet Malachi warns us: “The day is coming, blazing like an oven” when God will set things right (Mal 3:19). Whether we acknowledge it or not, each of us will one day stand before God. Jesus Himself affirms this in the Gospel as He speaks about the destruction of the Temple and the end times (Luke 21:5–19). Judgment is not optional; it is certain.
(b) The day of judgment is unknown
Jesus cautions His disciples not to be deceived by those who claim, “The time has come.” He warns that no one knows the day or hour except the Father. The dramatic events He describes—wars, earthquakes, persecutions—are signs urging readiness, not reasons for panic. Judgment will come, but at a time known only to God.
(c) Reward and Punishment
Malachi offers great hope: “For you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings” (Mal 3:20). Those who live faithfully will experience God’s glory as healing, warmth, and eternal joy. But for the unrepentant, that same day becomes fire and destruction. Jesus echoes this truth when He promises His followers, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Judgment reveals what we have chosen throughout our lives—God or separation from Him.
3. Beware of False Messiahs
Jesus warns: “Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he.’ Do not follow them.” In every age, including ours, there are voices that promise easy answers, instant salvation, and worldly solutions that replace God. These false messiahs can be ideologies, movements, or even individuals who claim to save us without the cross. To prepare for judgment, we must cling to Christ alone—the true Messiah.
4. Preparation for the Judgment
Drawing from today’s readings, how do we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s judgment?
(a) Imitating St. Paul and other Saints
In the second reading, Paul tells the Thessalonians to “imitate us” (2 Thess 3:7). He offers himself as an example of discipline, hard work, and faithful Christian living. The saints teach us how to live with heaven in our hearts while serving God on earth.
(b) Being guided by the fear of the Lord
Malachi blesses “those who fear the Lord.” This fear is not terror but reverence—living each day aware that God sees our choices. This holy fear corrects, purifies, and strengthens us.
(c) Focusing on interior spiritual life
Jesus teaches that external structures—even the magnificent Temple—will pass away. What remains is the state of our soul. Preparing for judgment means nurturing prayer, repentance, humility, and a sincere relationship with God.
(d) Trusting in God’s providence
Jesus assures His disciples that even in persecution, “I myself will give you a wisdom in speaking.” When we are faithful, God sustains us. We prepare by learning to rely on His grace more than our own strength.
(e) Being hardworking
St. Paul commands: “If anyone is unwilling to work, neither should he eat.” Preparing for judgment is not passive waiting but active responsibility. We do our daily duties faithfully, offering our work to God.
(f) Being considerate and charitable
Paul warns against being “a burden to others.” Preparation for judgment includes loving our neighbor—living with generosity, compassion, and selflessness. True readiness for heaven always expresses itself in charity on earth.
(g) Enduring persecution
Jesus tells His disciples that they will face trials, hatred, and even betrayal. But He promises, “Not a hair of your head will be destroyed.” Endurance in suffering becomes a powerful witness of faith. Patience in trials purifies us and prepares us for eternal life.
5. Conclusion
Beloved, the Lord’s judgment is certain, its timing unknown, and its outcome eternal. But God does not leave us unprepared. Through His Word, His Church, and His grace, He shows us how to live. Let us imitate the saints, cultivate holy fear, deepen our spiritual lives, trust in His providence, work diligently, love generously, and persevere in trials.
If we live this way, then the day of judgment will not be a day of fear, but a day of joy—a day when the “sun of righteousness” shines upon us with healing and eternal peace.
May the Lord find us ready when He comes. Amen.
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
