Unpacking the Mass – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Host: Keith Nester
Date: November 12, 2025
Episode Theme: Preparation for Judgment, Endurance, and Living Out Faith in Everyday Life

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on preparing for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, exploring the week’s readings as the liturgical year draws to a close. Keith Nester guides listeners through Malachi, 2 Thessalonians, and Luke, highlighting both their historical contexts and personal relevance. The central theme is readiness for God’s judgment—living a life that fears the Lord, rejects idleness, and courageously bears witness, even in the face of adversity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: The End of the Liturgical Year

• The episode marks the transition to the last week of the Church year, pointing toward the Solemnity of Christ the King and the beginning of Advent.
• Keith emphasizes gratitude for the journey and personal growth throughout the year.

2. Clarification on the First Reading – Malachi’s Addressing

• [04:15] Keith explains a technical note:
  • "Depending on the translation you use, your address might not line up... Malachi 3:19-20 or Malachi 4:1-2 refer to the same passage; it's just a 'fun fact' about how chapter and verse arrangements differ.”

3. Reading Summaries

• Malachi 3:19-20 / 4:1-2:
  • "For behold, the day comes burning like an oven... but for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings."
• 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12:
  • Paul urges the community: "If anyone will not work, let him not eat... We command and exhort... to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living."
• Luke 21:5-19:
  • Jesus warns about the destruction of the temple, deception by false prophets, coming tribulations, and the call to faithful endurance: "By your endurance, you will gain your lives."

4. The Shocking Message of Jesus – Destruction of the Temple

• [10:45] Keith reflects on the gravity for the original listeners:
  • “We don’t really grasp the power of that statement... The Jews, for whom this was the center of everything, couldn’t believe that this would all come down.”
• [13:15] He ties this to the historical fulfillment in 70 A.D. and adds:
  • “…yet that is the near fulfillment of this. But there’s also a far fulfillment, because there is an ultimate day of judgment…”

5. Judgment: Both Imminent and Ultimate

• Keith explains that while Jesus’ prophecy had an immediate historical fulfillment, it also points forward to the end of time and each person’s own judgment:
  • “Our judgment day, our day of reckoning could come at any moment because our lives are like a vapor… At any moment, we could be standing face to face with Jesus…” [15:00]

Practical Application from the Readings

1. Fear the Name of the Lord

• [18:25] Keith stresses reverence over terror:
  • “To fear the name of the Lord is not just this idea that you embrace… it means I’m going to take action. I’m going to be transformed by the power of God in my life.”
• He balances proper fear and assurance:
  • “If my fear of judgment keeps me from sinning, great. I would rather not sin because of fear, than think it’s okay... and just go, ‘Well, I can do whatever I want. God will forgive me.’” [20:15]
  • “If you’ve got a lackadaisical attitude about your behavior... then you do need to be afraid.” [21:10]

2. Work and Earn Your Keep

• [23:00] Keith highlights Paul’s practical instruction:
  • “Each of us needs to pull our weight. Each of us needs to not be thinking about, ‘Well, how can I live off everybody else’s pity?’”
  • “St. Paul takes that very seriously.”
• He clarifies this isn’t opposed to charity:
  • “This isn’t some sort of get-out-of-jail free card to not take care of the poor and the needy... If someone is disabled, that’s who needs the resources—not someone... able-bodied and will and can work, but just chooses... to be idle.” [25:30]

3. Bear Testimony, Speak the Truth, Endure Persecution

• [27:40] Keith encourages listeners to “bear testimony, speak the truth and endure persecution,” as Jesus commands:
  • “How do you respond when you’re put on the spot about your faith? Do you fold? Do you cower? Or do you give testimony to who God is in your life? Do you speak the truth? And do you endure that persecution?” [29:15]
• He reminds that the Spirit gives words and strength:
  • “‘I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.’ God will work in you.” [30:13]
• On the deeper meaning of endurance:
  • “Perishing is not about what happens to you in this life, my friend. It’s about what happens to you in eternity.” [31:30]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Judgment’s Certainty:
  • “He will return to judge the living and the dead. Now, whether or not we live long enough on this earth to see that take place… our judgment day… could come at any moment.” [15:00]
• On Fear of the Lord:
  • “I’m going to be transformed by the power of God in my life… because I don’t want to stand before him in judgment. I want to stand before him in love.” [19:10]
• On Work and Dignity:
  • “Friends, we don’t have to be like, we can’t have pride. We gotta be willing to do whatever it takes to be obedient and follow Christ wherever that leads us.” [36:00]
• On Endurance through Hardship:
  • “Whatever happens to us will be okay. If we’re following Jesus, not a hair on our head will perish.” [33:40]
• On Christian Courage:
  • “You do what you got to do… If you got to deliver pizzas, you deliver pizzas… We gotta be willing to do whatever it takes to be obedient and follow Christ wherever that leads us.” [37:30]

Key Timestamps

• First Reading Explanation: [04:15]
• Gospel’s Historical Context: [10:45]
• On Judgment and Readiness: [15:00]
• Fearing the Lord, Application: [18:25]
• Paul on Working: [23:00]
• Testifying Amid Adversity: [27:40]
• On Perseverance & Assurance: [33:40]
• Practical Christian Obedience: [36:00]

Tone and Style

Keith maintains a passionate, pastoral tone—both direct and empathetic, urging listeners to personal responsibility and spiritual vigilance. He intertwines teaching, storytelling, and application, making the Scriptures relatable to everyday Catholic life. The episode is motivational, with moments of challenging conviction and encouragement.

Summary Takeaway

As the liturgical year comes to a close, Keith calls listeners to serious reflection:

• Fear and honor God in daily life
• Reject idleness; serve God and others through diligent work
• Courageously testify to Christ, regardless of hardship or persecution

The ultimate encouragement: God remains faithful; enduring in faith leads to true, eternal life.