“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.  But of the day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son; but only the Father.” (Mark 13:31-32)
           
As the days get dramatically shorter, it seems that we are more aware of the darkness that surrounds us.  Perhaps our days can seem gloomier since we are deprived of light in the early morning and late afternoon.  As this liturgical year rapidly reaches a conclusion, we are reminded of the great hope that lies beyond this present life. Already we begin to hear the same message we will hear as we begin the new liturgical year with the season of Advent in a couple of weeks, “Stay awake! Be ready”.  How are you preparing for the greater prize yet to come, eternal life with Christ? 
 
The psalm response for this weekend is “You are My Inheritance, O Lord”.   As we take in the text of the responsorial psalm, sung by the cantor this weekend, let us be reminded of the great certainty we have that Christ is here for us and longs to live in us, in our every being and desires to be with us for all eternity.  This may mean to do away with possessions we covet more then God.   God also expects us  to share the love of Christ with those less fortunate than ourselves.  From our abundance, it is good practice to attend to the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, and just as important, to lend a heart full of generosity, hospitality and a listening ear. Likewise, those with less can show us how to be joyful in suffering and in need.  We can see Christ clearly visible in their poverty and vulnerability.