A New World Unveiled - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

Summary

In this homily for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, the preacher explores the apocalyptic readings from the Book of Daniel and the Gospel of Mark. Emphasizing the symbolic nature of apocalyptic imagery, the preacher interprets the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and cosmic upheavals not as literal events but as metaphors for the end of the old world order. The resurrection of Jesus is presented as the unveiling of a new world, one not governed by fear of death. Through the lives of saints and the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection, the preacher calls believers to navigate life in the light of this new reality.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time marks the conclusion of the liturgical year, which focuses on apocalyptic themes, specifically the end times.
• 😀 The Book of Daniel presents a vision of God granting authority to a messianic figure described as 'one like a son of man,' which is pivotal in understanding Jesus' identity.
• 😀 In Daniel 7, the messianic figure is not a mere earthly king but a cosmic ruler with power to reign over all creation.
• 😀 Jesus references Daniel 7 during His trial, claiming the identity of the 'son of man' who will come in glory, which was shocking to His audience.
• 😀 The Gospel of Mark features Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, symbolizing the collapse of the old world order.
• 😀 Jesus’ apocalyptic language, including the darkening of the sun and the falling of stars, is symbolic of a radical transformation in the spiritual realm, not a literal cosmic disaster.
• 😀 The term 'apocalypse' means 'unveiling' or 'revelation' rather than the end of the physical world, signaling the emergence of a new spiritual reality.
• 😀 The 'new world' revealed by Jesus through His death and resurrection is a spiritual reality where the fear of death no longer holds sway.
• 😀 The death and resurrection of Jesus (the Paschal Mystery) ushers in a new way of understanding life, death, and divine power, transforming how believers navigate the world.
• 😀 The saints throughout history, such as Mother Teresa and St. Francis of Assisi, embodied this new world by living radically according to Christ’s resurrection, challenging the old world’s logic and values.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the apocalyptic readings for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time?

The central theme is the unveiling of a new world through the Paschal Mystery of Jesus—His death and resurrection, which bring about a transformative shift in how the world is understood, moving away from fear of death and earthly powers.

How does the Book of Daniel relate to the New Testament readings for today?

The Book of Daniel contains an important apocalyptic vision in Chapter 7, where Daniel sees 'one like a son of man' coming on the clouds, an image later used by Jesus in the Gospels to describe His messianic role, connecting Him to a cosmic ruler beyond earthly kings.

What is the significance of the Temple in the Gospel of Mark?

The Temple in Jerusalem was seen as the central symbol of Jewish identity, political, cultural, and religious life. Jesus' prediction of its destruction shocked the disciples, as it represented the end of an era and pointed toward the unveiling of a new world order through His resurrection.

Why does Jesus mention the sun, moon, and stars in Mark 13?

The imagery of the sun, moon, and stars falling is symbolic, referencing how ancient people navigated the world. The 'shaking' of these elements represents the end of the old way of understanding the world, and the unveiling of a new way through Christ's resurrection.

What does the word 'apocalypse' actually mean in the biblical context?

In the biblical context, 'apocalypse' means 'unveiling' or 'revelation,' not the end of the physical world. It refers to the revelation of a new world order and the ultimate victory of Christ.

How does the death and resurrection of Jesus relate to the concept of the 'new world'?

The death of Jesus represents the collapse of the old world order, where death and fear reigned. His resurrection unveils a new world where death no longer holds the final word, and the powers of this world no longer control people's lives.

How does the resurrection of Jesus change the way Christians should view the world?

The resurrection of Jesus changes the Christian perspective by showing that death is not the end. Christians are called to navigate the world with the hope of eternal life and the Lordship of Christ, which redefines their values and actions.

What role do the saints play in illustrating the concept of the new world?

The saints, such as Mother Teresa, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Maximilian Kolbe, demonstrate how to live according to the values of the new world, often acting in ways that defy the logic of the old world, like self-sacrifice and reliance on God.

What does Jesus mean by 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory'?

This refers to the ultimate revelation of Christ's Lordship, as foretold in Daniel 7. It signifies Jesus' return in glory, bringing about the final fulfillment of God's plan and the establishment of the new heavens and earth.

How does the speaker interpret the statement, 'this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place'?

The speaker suggests that Jesus' words should not be taken literally about the end of the physical universe but are meant to point to the transformative events that occurred within His generation—the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, which ushered in a new world order.