Unpacking the Mass â 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 weekâs 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 Godâs judgmentâliving 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 â Malachiâs 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.â
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 â Destruction of the Temple
- [10:45] Keith reflects on the gravity for the original listeners:
- âWe donât really grasp the power of that statement... The Jews, for whom this was the center of everything, couldnât believe that this would all come down.â
- [13:15] He ties this to the historical fulfillment in 70 A.D. and adds:
- ââŚyet that is the near fulfillment of this. But thereâs also a far fulfillment, because there is an ultimate day of judgmentâŚâ
5. Judgment: Both Imminent and Ultimate
- Keith explains that while Jesusâ prophecy had an immediate historical fulfillment, it also points forward to the end of time and each personâs own judgment:
- âOur 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 JesusâŚâ [15:00]
Practical Application from the Readings
1. Fear the Name of the Lord
- [18:25] Keith stresses reverence over terror:
- âTo fear the name of the Lord is not just this idea that you embrace⌠it means Iâm going to take action. Iâm going to be transformed by the power of God in my life.â
- He balances proper fear and assurance:
- âIf my fear of judgment keeps me from sinning, great. I would rather not sin because of fear, than think itâs okay... and just go, âWell, I can do whatever I want. God will forgive me.ââ [20:15]
- âIf youâve got a lackadaisical attitude about your behavior... then you do need to be afraid.â [21:10]
2. Work and Earn Your Keep
- [23:00] Keith highlights Paulâs practical instruction:
- âEach of us needs to pull our weight. Each of us needs to not be thinking about, âWell, how can I live off everybody elseâs pity?ââ
- âSt. Paul takes that very seriously.â
- He clarifies this isnât opposed to charity:
- âThis isnât some sort of get-out-of-jail free card to not take care of the poor and the needy... If someone is disabled, thatâs who needs the resourcesânot someone... able-bodied and will and can work, but just chooses... to be idle.â [25:30]
3. Bear Testimony, Speak the Truth, Endure Persecution
- [27:40] Keith encourages listeners to âbear testimony, speak the truth and endure persecution,â as Jesus commands:
- âHow do you respond when youâre 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?â [29:15]
- He reminds that the Spirit gives words and strength:
- ââI will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.â God will work in you.â [30:13]
- On the deeper meaning of endurance:
- âPerishing is not about what happens to you in this life, my friend. Itâs about what happens to you in eternity.â [31:30]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Judgmentâs Certainty:
- âHe 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.â [15:00]
- On Fear of the Lord:
- âIâm going to be transformed by the power of God in my life⌠because I donât want to stand before him in judgment. I want to stand before him in love.â [19:10]
- On Work and Dignity:
- âFriends, we donât have to be like, we canât have pride. We gotta be willing to do whatever it takes to be obedient and follow Christ wherever that leads us.â [36:00]
- On Endurance through Hardship:
- âWhatever happens to us will be okay. If weâre following Jesus, not a hair on our head will perish.â [33:40]
- On Christian Courage:
- âYou 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.â [37:30]
Key Timestamps
- First Reading Explanation: [04:15]
- Gospelâs 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 toneâboth 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.
