Reading 1
Rom 10:9-18
Brothers and sisters:
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.
For one believes with the heart and so is justified,
and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.
The Scripture says,
No one who believes in him will be put to shame.
There is no distinction between Jew and Greek;
the same Lord is Lord of all,
enriching all who call upon him.
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed?
And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone to preach?
And how can people preach unless they are sent?
As it is written,
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!
But not everyone has heeded the good news;
for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us?
Thus faith comes from what is heard,
and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
But I ask, did they not hear?
Certainly they did; for
Their voice has gone forth to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.
Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11
Responsorial PsalmR. (10)
The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. (John 6:63) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Gospel
Mt 4:18-22
As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,
Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,
casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.
He said to them,
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,
James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.
He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father
and followed him.
Meditation: Matthew 4:18-22
St. Andrew
They left their boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:22)
Have you noticed how face-to-face communication is becoming less common? We can spend a whole day e-mailing, texting, and talking on the phone. Web based social networks like Facebook and MySpace keep us in touch without ever touching. Some of us can even work from the comfort, and isolation, of home and rarely have the chance to interact. Even online shopping can keep us away from merchants who may be just around the corner from us.
All of this technology certainly does make life more convenient. But how diferent it is to the experience of Andrew and Simon Peter!
While they are fishing, the two brothers meet Jesus in person. Actually, this is not the first time they had seen him. John the Baptist had introduced Andrew to him earlier, and Andrew ended up spending an entire day with Jesus (John 1:29,39). Andrew then brought Simon Peter to meet him too. That encounter set the stage for today’s Gospel reading, when Jesus calls the two men to follow him. And they are so moved by Jesus that they leave everything behind and go with him.
As we celebrate St. Andrew today, let’s remember that this kind of direct encounter is at the heart of evangelization. In the words of Pope John Paul II, evangelization “is not a matter of merely passing on doctrine, but rather of a personal and profound meeting with the Savior.” We can’t simply hope that those around us will absorb enough information about Christ to become his disciples. We need to introduce them to Jesus.
Bringing someone to Christ may not be as challenging as you think. Of course, we can pray for people and tell them about God’s love. But sometimes we make more progress with simple expressions of love that are reflections of the Lord. Listening can be just as effective as prayer. A warm embrace can speak more powerfully than a Scripture passage. An invitation to lunch can have a greater impact than a logical presentation of the truths of the gospel.
Kindness, generosity, compassion—These are the keys that unlock the treasures of the gospel!
“Lord, send me to someone who needs your message of salvation today. Help me to share simply about the wonderful work you have done in my life!”
30 November 2010
29 November 2010
29 Nov 2010, Monday of the First Week of Advent
Reading 1
Is 4:2-6
On that day,
The branch of the LORD will be luster and glory,
and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor
for the survivors of Israel.
He who remains in Zion
and he who is left in Jerusalem
Will be called holy:
every one marked down for life in Jerusalem.
When the LORD washes away
the filth of the daughters of Zion,
And purges Jerusalem’s blood from her midst
with a blast of searing judgment,
Then will the LORD create,
over the whole site of Mount Zion
and over her place of assembly,
A smoking cloud by day
and a light of flaming fire by night.
For over all, the LORD’s glory will be shelter and protection:
shade from the parching heat of day,
refuge and cover from storm and rain.
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9
Responsorial PsalmR.
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Gospel
Mt 8:5-11
When Jesus entered Capernaum,
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;
and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;
and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”
Meditation: Isaiah 4:2-6
“He that is left in Jerusalem will be called holy.” (Isaiah 4:3)
What a beautiful image the prophet paints! The people of Jerusalem, whose sins had darkened their souls, would be cleansed once again. Their offenses would be removed from them, and God will be for them “shade from the parching heat of day” and “cover from storm and rain” (Isaiah 4:6).
But as beautiful as this image is, there is also a sense of seriousness and even foreboding. For the people will come to this position of holiness and comfort only as the Lord “purges” them “with a blast of searing judgment” (Isaiah 4:4).
That doesn’t sound so attractive, does it? At least not in the short term. Who wants to be blasted by God’s judgment? Don’t you wish God would just wave a magic wand instead and make it as if nothing ever happened?
The truth is, it is much better for us to be purged than to be magically pardoned. Why? Because in the purging comes a transformation that mere pardon can never bring. As we take a good, long look at ourselves, we get a clearer sense of how we have offended the Lord. We come to see how our thoughts and actions have distanced us from Jesus and how they have hurt the people around us. And seeing this, we are struck to the heart, and we want to change. We want the Lord not only to forget our sins but to make us into a new creation. We want a new heart so that we will no longer hurt him and those around us. Simply put, we will want to be purged because we know that this is the only way to be set free.
During this season of Advent, spend some time looking closely at your life. Use the examination of conscience article entitled Getting to Yes on this website to help you. Then, take what you have learned about yourself before the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let him purge you and remake you. Then, you will know what it is like to have Jesus as your comfort and your shield!
“Lord, come and set me free so that I can live in your peace. Only say the word, and I shall be healed.
Is 4:2-6
On that day,
The branch of the LORD will be luster and glory,
and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor
for the survivors of Israel.
He who remains in Zion
and he who is left in Jerusalem
Will be called holy:
every one marked down for life in Jerusalem.
When the LORD washes away
the filth of the daughters of Zion,
And purges Jerusalem’s blood from her midst
with a blast of searing judgment,
Then will the LORD create,
over the whole site of Mount Zion
and over her place of assembly,
A smoking cloud by day
and a light of flaming fire by night.
For over all, the LORD’s glory will be shelter and protection:
shade from the parching heat of day,
refuge and cover from storm and rain.
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9
Responsorial PsalmR.
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Gospel
Mt 8:5-11
When Jesus entered Capernaum,
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;
and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;
and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”
Meditation: Isaiah 4:2-6
“He that is left in Jerusalem will be called holy.” (Isaiah 4:3)
What a beautiful image the prophet paints! The people of Jerusalem, whose sins had darkened their souls, would be cleansed once again. Their offenses would be removed from them, and God will be for them “shade from the parching heat of day” and “cover from storm and rain” (Isaiah 4:6).
But as beautiful as this image is, there is also a sense of seriousness and even foreboding. For the people will come to this position of holiness and comfort only as the Lord “purges” them “with a blast of searing judgment” (Isaiah 4:4).
That doesn’t sound so attractive, does it? At least not in the short term. Who wants to be blasted by God’s judgment? Don’t you wish God would just wave a magic wand instead and make it as if nothing ever happened?
The truth is, it is much better for us to be purged than to be magically pardoned. Why? Because in the purging comes a transformation that mere pardon can never bring. As we take a good, long look at ourselves, we get a clearer sense of how we have offended the Lord. We come to see how our thoughts and actions have distanced us from Jesus and how they have hurt the people around us. And seeing this, we are struck to the heart, and we want to change. We want the Lord not only to forget our sins but to make us into a new creation. We want a new heart so that we will no longer hurt him and those around us. Simply put, we will want to be purged because we know that this is the only way to be set free.
During this season of Advent, spend some time looking closely at your life. Use the examination of conscience article entitled Getting to Yes on this website to help you. Then, take what you have learned about yourself before the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let him purge you and remake you. Then, you will know what it is like to have Jesus as your comfort and your shield!
“Lord, come and set me free so that I can live in your peace. Only say the word, and I shall be healed.
27 November 2010
28 Nov 2010, First Sunday of Advent
Reading 1
Is 2:1-5
This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz,
saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come,
the mountain of the LORD’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain
and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it;
many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Ps 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Responsorial PsalmR.
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my brothers and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Reading 2
Rom 13:11-14
Brothers and sisters:
You know the time;
it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.
For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed;
the night is advanced, the day is at hand.
Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light;
let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,
not in orgies and drunkenness,
not in promiscuity and lust,
not in rivalry and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
Gospel
Mt 24:37-44
Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Meditation: Isaiah 2:1-5
“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain.” (Isaiah 2:3)
At this moment, Mount Everest is surrounded by numerous base camps with hundreds of climbers in various stages of ascent. Many climbers are doing something that may strike us as unusual: They are ascending and descending different stages of the mountain. It’s their way of getting their bodies used to high altitudes, where the air is thinner. These climbers know that trying a direct ascent without training your body for life at the top would be folly.
As we begin Advent, Isaiah invites us to climb the mountain of the Lord. He invites us to begin a journey that will bring us closer to Jesus and closer to our hearts’ desires. But as in all mountain climbing, this is not a casual excursion. Preparation is key. Just as the Everest climbers take months to attain their goal, we have an entire season to get ready for Christmas. So let’s come up with a good strategy!
Just as a climber needs a healthy breakfast to provide energy for the day’s climb, so do we. That’s why it is a good idea to set aside time every morning to be nourished by prayer and Scripture. And just as experienced climbers travel light, so should we examine our consciences every day so that we can repent of our sins. That way, we can stay free from unnecessary burdens of the past.
Mountain climbers know the value of pacing themselves. They work stage by stage, not expecting to reach the summit overnight. Similarly, we should approach this Advent with a sense of patience. All it takes is a few steps each day to bring us closer to our goal, while an all-out sprint will leave us exhausted and frustrated.
Jesus knows how much we want to be with him, and he wants to help us every step along the way. So take some time today to draw up a plan this Advent. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you will make by Christmas!
“Lord, you know that I love you. Teach me how to make the most of this season of grace. Lord, I want to know you more!”
Is 2:1-5
This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz,
saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come,
the mountain of the LORD’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain
and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it;
many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Ps 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Responsorial PsalmR.
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my brothers and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Reading 2
Rom 13:11-14
Brothers and sisters:
You know the time;
it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.
For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed;
the night is advanced, the day is at hand.
Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light;
let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,
not in orgies and drunkenness,
not in promiscuity and lust,
not in rivalry and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
Gospel
Mt 24:37-44
Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Meditation: Isaiah 2:1-5
“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain.” (Isaiah 2:3)
At this moment, Mount Everest is surrounded by numerous base camps with hundreds of climbers in various stages of ascent. Many climbers are doing something that may strike us as unusual: They are ascending and descending different stages of the mountain. It’s their way of getting their bodies used to high altitudes, where the air is thinner. These climbers know that trying a direct ascent without training your body for life at the top would be folly.
As we begin Advent, Isaiah invites us to climb the mountain of the Lord. He invites us to begin a journey that will bring us closer to Jesus and closer to our hearts’ desires. But as in all mountain climbing, this is not a casual excursion. Preparation is key. Just as the Everest climbers take months to attain their goal, we have an entire season to get ready for Christmas. So let’s come up with a good strategy!
Just as a climber needs a healthy breakfast to provide energy for the day’s climb, so do we. That’s why it is a good idea to set aside time every morning to be nourished by prayer and Scripture. And just as experienced climbers travel light, so should we examine our consciences every day so that we can repent of our sins. That way, we can stay free from unnecessary burdens of the past.
Mountain climbers know the value of pacing themselves. They work stage by stage, not expecting to reach the summit overnight. Similarly, we should approach this Advent with a sense of patience. All it takes is a few steps each day to bring us closer to our goal, while an all-out sprint will leave us exhausted and frustrated.
Jesus knows how much we want to be with him, and he wants to help us every step along the way. So take some time today to draw up a plan this Advent. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you will make by Christmas!
“Lord, you know that I love you. Teach me how to make the most of this season of grace. Lord, I want to know you more!”
27 Nov 2010, Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Rv 22:1-7
John said:
An angel showed me the river of life-giving water,
sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God
and of the Lamb down the middle of the street,
On either side of the river grew the tree of life
that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month;
the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations.
Nothing accursed will be found anymore.
The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it,
and his servants will worship him.
They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun,
for the Lord God shall give them light,
and they shall reign forever and ever.
And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true,
and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits,
sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.”
“Behold, I am coming soon.”
Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.
Ps 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7ab
Responsorial PsalmR. (1 Cor 16: 22b, see Rev. 22: 20c)
Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
R. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
For the LORD is a great God,
and a great king above all gods;
In his hands are the depths of the earth,
and the tops of the mountains are his.
His is the sea, for he has made it,
and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
R. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.
R. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Gospel
Lk 21:34-36
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Meditation: Luke 21:34-36
“Be vigilant at all times.” (Luke 21:36)
This past week many of the Gospel readings have included Jesus’ warnings about the coming day of the Lord. And many of the first readings have included visions from the Book of Revelation about the age to come. Together, these have been a pathway leading us to the season of Advent, which begins tomorrow. As we stand on the threshold of a new season and a new liturgical year, today’s Gospel calls us to be vigilant and to stand firm.
Perhaps you feel that you lose sight of the Lord as you go about your day. Life can be so demanding—and so distracting. Maybe your daily routine has created a false sense of security. Maybe the battle against temptations has become discouraging. Perhaps even the devil is trying to convince you to give up, saying that you probably won’t make it anyway. But no matter how many forces come against you, don’t give up the fight! Don’t let your heart grow drowsy (Luke 21:34). Keep on being watchful and vigilant!
Simeon (Luke 2:25-32) and Anna (2:36-38) are inspiring Advent models for us. Like sentries at the post waiting for the coming of the dawn, they kept looking for the Messiah. Neither their vision nor their hope dimmed as they patiently remained on the lookout. They waited for the fulfillment of God’s promises with perseverance. They stayed attentive to the Holy Spirit because they were so eager to see God’s salvation. All their prayerful pondering and steadfast watching enabled them to recognize that salvation when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple. God’s ways had become their ways, and his thoughts had become their thoughts.
Let’s greet this coming Advent season of grace with determination, confidence, and perseverance. Let’s remember that we are looking forward both to Jesus’ coming as an infant on Christmas and his final return at the end of time, when he will bring us fully into his kingdom. As Pope Benedict XVI has said: “Advent is par excellence the season of hope in which believers in Christ are invited to remain in watchful and active waiting, nourished by prayer and by the effective commitment to love.”
“Jesus, you are my Messiah and Savior! Give me the grace to keep my eyes and my heart fixed on you as I look for the day of your coming.”
Rv 22:1-7
John said:
An angel showed me the river of life-giving water,
sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God
and of the Lamb down the middle of the street,
On either side of the river grew the tree of life
that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month;
the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations.
Nothing accursed will be found anymore.
The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it,
and his servants will worship him.
They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun,
for the Lord God shall give them light,
and they shall reign forever and ever.
And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true,
and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits,
sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.”
“Behold, I am coming soon.”
Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.
Ps 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7ab
Responsorial PsalmR. (1 Cor 16: 22b, see Rev. 22: 20c)
Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
R. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
For the LORD is a great God,
and a great king above all gods;
In his hands are the depths of the earth,
and the tops of the mountains are his.
His is the sea, for he has made it,
and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
R. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.
R. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Gospel
Lk 21:34-36
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Meditation: Luke 21:34-36
“Be vigilant at all times.” (Luke 21:36)
This past week many of the Gospel readings have included Jesus’ warnings about the coming day of the Lord. And many of the first readings have included visions from the Book of Revelation about the age to come. Together, these have been a pathway leading us to the season of Advent, which begins tomorrow. As we stand on the threshold of a new season and a new liturgical year, today’s Gospel calls us to be vigilant and to stand firm.
Perhaps you feel that you lose sight of the Lord as you go about your day. Life can be so demanding—and so distracting. Maybe your daily routine has created a false sense of security. Maybe the battle against temptations has become discouraging. Perhaps even the devil is trying to convince you to give up, saying that you probably won’t make it anyway. But no matter how many forces come against you, don’t give up the fight! Don’t let your heart grow drowsy (Luke 21:34). Keep on being watchful and vigilant!
Simeon (Luke 2:25-32) and Anna (2:36-38) are inspiring Advent models for us. Like sentries at the post waiting for the coming of the dawn, they kept looking for the Messiah. Neither their vision nor their hope dimmed as they patiently remained on the lookout. They waited for the fulfillment of God’s promises with perseverance. They stayed attentive to the Holy Spirit because they were so eager to see God’s salvation. All their prayerful pondering and steadfast watching enabled them to recognize that salvation when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple. God’s ways had become their ways, and his thoughts had become their thoughts.
Let’s greet this coming Advent season of grace with determination, confidence, and perseverance. Let’s remember that we are looking forward both to Jesus’ coming as an infant on Christmas and his final return at the end of time, when he will bring us fully into his kingdom. As Pope Benedict XVI has said: “Advent is par excellence the season of hope in which believers in Christ are invited to remain in watchful and active waiting, nourished by prayer and by the effective commitment to love.”
“Jesus, you are my Messiah and Savior! Give me the grace to keep my eyes and my heart fixed on you as I look for the day of your coming.”
26 November 2010
26 Nov 2010, Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Rv 20:1-4, 11—21:2
I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven,
holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a heavy chain.
He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent,
which is the Devil or Satan,
and tied it up for a thousand years and threw it into the abyss,
which he locked over it and sealed,
so that it could no longer lead the nations astray
until the thousand years are completed.
After this, it is to be released for a short time.
Then I saw thrones; those who sat on them were entrusted with judgment.
I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded
for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God,
and who had not worshiped the beast or its image
nor had accepted its mark on their foreheads or hands.
They came to life and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Next I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it.
The earth and the sky fled from his presence
and there was no place for them.
I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne,
and scrolls were opened.
Then another scroll was opened, the book of life.
The dead were judged according to their deeds,
by what was written in the scrolls.
The sea gave up its dead;
then Death and Hades gave up their dead.
All the dead were judged according to their deeds.
Then Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire.
(This pool of fire is the second death.)
Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life
was thrown into the pool of fire.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.
The former heaven and the former earth had passed away,
and the sea was no more.
I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a
Responsorial PsalmR. (Rev. 21:3b)
Here God lives among his people.
My soul yearns and pines
for the courts of the LORD.
My heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God.
R. Here God lives among his people.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest
in which she puts her young–
Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my king and my God!
R. Here God lives among his people.
Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.
Blessed the men whose strength you are!
They go from strength to strength.
R. Here God lives among his people.
Gospel
Lk 21:29-33
Jesus told his disciples a parable.
“Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
When their buds burst open,
you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
in the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near.
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away
until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.”
Meditation: Luke 21:29-33
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:33)
So many things in our world come with expiration dates. Memberships, warranties, and magazine subscriptions run out. Products, fashions, and even laws grow obsolete. Store and gift coupons expire. Even stars and planets die. And of course, after their allotted time on earth, so do all living creatures.
But though our bodies are mortal, something in us longs to live forever. That’s because God created us to share in his eternal life! And because he is a loving God, he gives us ways to begin tasting and growing in his life right now by meeting him every day. We do this as we prayerfully reflect on Scripture, the inspired word of God, which “will not pass away” (Luke 21:33).
It’s an amazing reality! As the Fathers of Vatican II explained it, “In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven meets his children with great love and speaks with them,” (Dei Verbum, 21). And St. Bernard, speaking from experience, said that anyone who eagerly meditates on Scripture knows “that there he is certain to find the One for whom he thirsts.” When we read Scripture, we can be sure that the God who created us to know and love him is with us, ready to bring God’s word to life.
Scripture can awe us with the breadth and depth of God’s love. With a single word of reproach, it can shatter our pride. It can teach us wondrous truths, pierce our hard hearts, and stir us to inspired prayers of praise and thanksgiving. It straightens out our crooked thinking, opens our eyes to Christ, and gives us what we need to face trials and upheavals with peace and joy.
You can make this discovery—or rediscovery—for yourself today. Open your Bible, call on the Holy Spirit, and listen as Jesus speaks to you. Know that however often you read a passage, it will never run out, go stale, or get outdated. Unchanging as it is, God’s word is new every day, always fresh and full of life and hope.
“Come, Holy Spirit, and bring the words of Scripture alive for me today. Open my ears to listen carefully. Help me to hear and understand what you are saying to me now.”
Rv 20:1-4, 11—21:2
I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven,
holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a heavy chain.
He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent,
which is the Devil or Satan,
and tied it up for a thousand years and threw it into the abyss,
which he locked over it and sealed,
so that it could no longer lead the nations astray
until the thousand years are completed.
After this, it is to be released for a short time.
Then I saw thrones; those who sat on them were entrusted with judgment.
I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded
for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God,
and who had not worshiped the beast or its image
nor had accepted its mark on their foreheads or hands.
They came to life and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Next I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it.
The earth and the sky fled from his presence
and there was no place for them.
I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne,
and scrolls were opened.
Then another scroll was opened, the book of life.
The dead were judged according to their deeds,
by what was written in the scrolls.
The sea gave up its dead;
then Death and Hades gave up their dead.
All the dead were judged according to their deeds.
Then Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire.
(This pool of fire is the second death.)
Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life
was thrown into the pool of fire.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.
The former heaven and the former earth had passed away,
and the sea was no more.
I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a
Responsorial PsalmR. (Rev. 21:3b)
Here God lives among his people.
My soul yearns and pines
for the courts of the LORD.
My heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God.
R. Here God lives among his people.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest
in which she puts her young–
Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my king and my God!
R. Here God lives among his people.
Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.
Blessed the men whose strength you are!
They go from strength to strength.
R. Here God lives among his people.
Gospel
Lk 21:29-33
Jesus told his disciples a parable.
“Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
When their buds burst open,
you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
in the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near.
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away
until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.”
Meditation: Luke 21:29-33
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:33)
So many things in our world come with expiration dates. Memberships, warranties, and magazine subscriptions run out. Products, fashions, and even laws grow obsolete. Store and gift coupons expire. Even stars and planets die. And of course, after their allotted time on earth, so do all living creatures.
But though our bodies are mortal, something in us longs to live forever. That’s because God created us to share in his eternal life! And because he is a loving God, he gives us ways to begin tasting and growing in his life right now by meeting him every day. We do this as we prayerfully reflect on Scripture, the inspired word of God, which “will not pass away” (Luke 21:33).
It’s an amazing reality! As the Fathers of Vatican II explained it, “In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven meets his children with great love and speaks with them,” (Dei Verbum, 21). And St. Bernard, speaking from experience, said that anyone who eagerly meditates on Scripture knows “that there he is certain to find the One for whom he thirsts.” When we read Scripture, we can be sure that the God who created us to know and love him is with us, ready to bring God’s word to life.
Scripture can awe us with the breadth and depth of God’s love. With a single word of reproach, it can shatter our pride. It can teach us wondrous truths, pierce our hard hearts, and stir us to inspired prayers of praise and thanksgiving. It straightens out our crooked thinking, opens our eyes to Christ, and gives us what we need to face trials and upheavals with peace and joy.
You can make this discovery—or rediscovery—for yourself today. Open your Bible, call on the Holy Spirit, and listen as Jesus speaks to you. Know that however often you read a passage, it will never run out, go stale, or get outdated. Unchanging as it is, God’s word is new every day, always fresh and full of life and hope.
“Come, Holy Spirit, and bring the words of Scripture alive for me today. Open my ears to listen carefully. Help me to hear and understand what you are saying to me now.”
25 November 2010
25 Nov 2010, Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a
I, John, saw another angel coming down from heaven,
having great authority,
and the earth became illumined by his splendor.
He cried out in a mighty voice:
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great.
She has become a haunt for demons.
She is a cage for every unclean spirit,
a cage for every unclean bird,
a cage for every unclean and disgusting beast.”
A mighty angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone
and threw it into the sea and said:
“With such force will Babylon the great city be thrown down,
and will never be found again.
No melodies of harpists and musicians,
flutists and trumpeters,
will ever be heard in you again.
No craftsmen in any trade
will ever be found in you again.
No sound of the millstone
will ever be heard in you again.
No light from a lamp
will ever be seen in you again.
No voices of bride and groom
will ever be heard in you again.
Because your merchants were the great ones of the world,
all nations were led astray by your magic potion.”
After this I heard what sounded like
the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying:
“Alleluia!
Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God,
for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great harlot
who corrupted the earth with her harlotry.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
They said a second time:
“Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever.”
Then the angel said to me, “Write this:
Blessed are those who have been called
to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”
Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 1)
I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds
and declare your greatness.
They publish the fame of your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The Lord is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord
Gospel
Lk 21:20-28
Jesus said to his disciples:
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,
know that its desolation is at hand.
Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Let those within the city escape from it,
and let those in the countryside not enter the city,
for these days are the time of punishment
when all the Scriptures are fulfilled.
Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,
for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth
and a wrathful judgment upon this people.
They will fall by the edge of the sword
and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles;
and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles
until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.”
Meditation: Luke 21:29-33
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:33)
So many things in our world come with expiration dates. Memberships, warranties, and magazine subscriptions run out. Products, fashions, and even laws grow obsolete. Store and gift coupons expire. Even stars and planets die. And of course, after their allotted time on earth, so do all living creatures.
But though our bodies are mortal, something in us longs to live forever. That’s because God created us to share in his eternal life! And because he is a loving God, he gives us ways to begin tasting and growing in his life right now by meeting him every day. We do this as we prayerfully reflect on Scripture, the inspired word of God, which “will not pass away” (Luke 21:33).
It’s an amazing reality! As the Fathers of Vatican II explained it, “In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven meets his children with great love and speaks with them,” (Dei Verbum, 21). And St. Bernard, speaking from experience, said that anyone who eagerly meditates on Scripture knows “that there he is certain to find the One for whom he thirsts.” When we read Scripture, we can be sure that the God who created us to know and love him is with us, ready to bring God’s word to life.
Scripture can awe us with the breadth and depth of God’s love. With a single word of reproach, it can shatter our pride. It can teach us wondrous truths, pierce our hard hearts, and stir us to inspired prayers of praise and thanksgiving. It straightens out our crooked thinking, opens our eyes to Christ, and gives us what we need to face trials and upheavals with peace and joy.
You can make this discovery—or rediscovery—for yourself today. Open your Bible, call on the Holy Spirit, and listen as Jesus speaks to you. Know that however often you read a passage, it will never run out, go stale, or get outdated. Unchanging as it is, God’s word is new every day, always fresh and full of life and hope.
“Come, Holy Spirit, and bring the words of Scripture alive for me today. Open my ears to listen carefully. Help me to hear and understand what you are saying to me now.”
Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a
I, John, saw another angel coming down from heaven,
having great authority,
and the earth became illumined by his splendor.
He cried out in a mighty voice:
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great.
She has become a haunt for demons.
She is a cage for every unclean spirit,
a cage for every unclean bird,
a cage for every unclean and disgusting beast.”
A mighty angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone
and threw it into the sea and said:
“With such force will Babylon the great city be thrown down,
and will never be found again.
No melodies of harpists and musicians,
flutists and trumpeters,
will ever be heard in you again.
No craftsmen in any trade
will ever be found in you again.
No sound of the millstone
will ever be heard in you again.
No light from a lamp
will ever be seen in you again.
No voices of bride and groom
will ever be heard in you again.
Because your merchants were the great ones of the world,
all nations were led astray by your magic potion.”
After this I heard what sounded like
the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying:
“Alleluia!
Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God,
for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great harlot
who corrupted the earth with her harlotry.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
They said a second time:
“Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever.”
Then the angel said to me, “Write this:
Blessed are those who have been called
to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”
Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 1)
I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds
and declare your greatness.
They publish the fame of your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The Lord is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord
Gospel
Lk 21:20-28
Jesus said to his disciples:
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,
know that its desolation is at hand.
Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Let those within the city escape from it,
and let those in the countryside not enter the city,
for these days are the time of punishment
when all the Scriptures are fulfilled.
Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,
for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth
and a wrathful judgment upon this people.
They will fall by the edge of the sword
and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles;
and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles
until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.”
Meditation: Luke 21:29-33
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:33)
So many things in our world come with expiration dates. Memberships, warranties, and magazine subscriptions run out. Products, fashions, and even laws grow obsolete. Store and gift coupons expire. Even stars and planets die. And of course, after their allotted time on earth, so do all living creatures.
But though our bodies are mortal, something in us longs to live forever. That’s because God created us to share in his eternal life! And because he is a loving God, he gives us ways to begin tasting and growing in his life right now by meeting him every day. We do this as we prayerfully reflect on Scripture, the inspired word of God, which “will not pass away” (Luke 21:33).
It’s an amazing reality! As the Fathers of Vatican II explained it, “In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven meets his children with great love and speaks with them,” (Dei Verbum, 21). And St. Bernard, speaking from experience, said that anyone who eagerly meditates on Scripture knows “that there he is certain to find the One for whom he thirsts.” When we read Scripture, we can be sure that the God who created us to know and love him is with us, ready to bring God’s word to life.
Scripture can awe us with the breadth and depth of God’s love. With a single word of reproach, it can shatter our pride. It can teach us wondrous truths, pierce our hard hearts, and stir us to inspired prayers of praise and thanksgiving. It straightens out our crooked thinking, opens our eyes to Christ, and gives us what we need to face trials and upheavals with peace and joy.
You can make this discovery—or rediscovery—for yourself today. Open your Bible, call on the Holy Spirit, and listen as Jesus speaks to you. Know that however often you read a passage, it will never run out, go stale, or get outdated. Unchanging as it is, God’s word is new every day, always fresh and full of life and hope.
“Come, Holy Spirit, and bring the words of Scripture alive for me today. Open my ears to listen carefully. Help me to hear and understand what you are saying to me now.”
24 November 2010
24 Nov 2010, Memorial of Saint Andrew Dũng-Lac, priest and martyr, and his companions, martyrs
Reading 1
Rv 15:1-4
I, John, saw in heaven another sign, great and awe-inspiring:
seven angels with the seven last plagues,
for through them God’s fury is accomplished.
Then I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire.
On the sea of glass were standing those
who had won the victory over the beast
and its image and the number that signified its name.
They were holding God’s harps,
and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God,
and the song of the Lamb:
“Great and wonderful are your works,
Lord God almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
O king of the nations.
Who will not fear you, Lord,
or glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All the nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9
Responsorial PsalmR. (Rev. 15: 3b)
Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to rule the earth;
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Gospel
Lk 21:12-19
Jesus said to the crowd:
“They will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents,
brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
Meditation: Luke 21:12-19
“Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty!” (Revelation 15:3)
Jesus doesn’t want us to be on the defensive. He calls us to go out boldly and share that love with everyone we meet. Some people will welcome it eagerly, others will remain indifferent, and still others will be hostile.
It would be easy to get tied up in knots about this. What would I say if someone challenged my faith? How would I explain myself? Maybe I should just keep my faith quiet.
Jesus cuts through all that. “Do not worry about how or what your defense will be… . For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say” (Luke 12:11,12).
We may not have to rehearse our defense, but there is something we can do, and that is to practice praising God in every circumstance. God is always present, he always loves us, and it’s always appropriate to praise him. But how can praising God help us when we are challenged? Today’s first reading gives us some clues. The saints in Revelation 15 take the words of Moses’ and Miriam’s victory song and carry them forward to the “great and wonderful works” that God has done for them. They praise him for who he is, and they recall what he has done—his wonderful works in the world and in their lives. The glory and wonder of God are on the tips of their tongues, and they are ready to proclaim them at a moment’s notice.
We can praise God by listing his wonderful attributes: his greatness, his faithfulness, compassion, mercy, and power. We can thank him for all he has done for us: He has created us, he knows us, he has forgiven us, he has spoken to us, loved us, and gifted us. We can turn to passages like Psalm 118 or Psalm 136 to help fuel our minds until the praises of God pour more spontaneously from our lips.
Once we have lifted our hearts and voices to God in praise, we will be ready to glorify him before human beings as well. Our words, seasoned with love and reverence for God and his people, will flow much more naturally!
“Lord, I can never begin to praise you as you deserve. Teach my voice to praise you more and more. Be glorified in me!”
Rv 15:1-4
I, John, saw in heaven another sign, great and awe-inspiring:
seven angels with the seven last plagues,
for through them God’s fury is accomplished.
Then I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire.
On the sea of glass were standing those
who had won the victory over the beast
and its image and the number that signified its name.
They were holding God’s harps,
and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God,
and the song of the Lamb:
“Great and wonderful are your works,
Lord God almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
O king of the nations.
Who will not fear you, Lord,
or glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All the nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9
Responsorial PsalmR. (Rev. 15: 3b)
Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to rule the earth;
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!
Gospel
Lk 21:12-19
Jesus said to the crowd:
“They will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents,
brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
Meditation: Luke 21:12-19
“Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty!” (Revelation 15:3)
Jesus doesn’t want us to be on the defensive. He calls us to go out boldly and share that love with everyone we meet. Some people will welcome it eagerly, others will remain indifferent, and still others will be hostile.
It would be easy to get tied up in knots about this. What would I say if someone challenged my faith? How would I explain myself? Maybe I should just keep my faith quiet.
Jesus cuts through all that. “Do not worry about how or what your defense will be… . For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say” (Luke 12:11,12).
We may not have to rehearse our defense, but there is something we can do, and that is to practice praising God in every circumstance. God is always present, he always loves us, and it’s always appropriate to praise him. But how can praising God help us when we are challenged? Today’s first reading gives us some clues. The saints in Revelation 15 take the words of Moses’ and Miriam’s victory song and carry them forward to the “great and wonderful works” that God has done for them. They praise him for who he is, and they recall what he has done—his wonderful works in the world and in their lives. The glory and wonder of God are on the tips of their tongues, and they are ready to proclaim them at a moment’s notice.
We can praise God by listing his wonderful attributes: his greatness, his faithfulness, compassion, mercy, and power. We can thank him for all he has done for us: He has created us, he knows us, he has forgiven us, he has spoken to us, loved us, and gifted us. We can turn to passages like Psalm 118 or Psalm 136 to help fuel our minds until the praises of God pour more spontaneously from our lips.
Once we have lifted our hearts and voices to God in praise, we will be ready to glorify him before human beings as well. Our words, seasoned with love and reverence for God and his people, will flow much more naturally!
“Lord, I can never begin to praise you as you deserve. Teach my voice to praise you more and more. Be glorified in me!”
23 November 2010
23 Nov 2010, Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Rv 14:14-19
I, John, looked and there was a white cloud,
and sitting on the cloud one who looked like a son of man,
with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.
Another angel came out of the temple,
crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud,
“Use your sickle and reap the harvest,
for the time to reap has come,
because the earth’s harvest is fully ripe.”
So the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth,
and the earth was harvested.
Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven
who also had a sharp sickle.
Then another angel came from the altar, who was in charge of the fire,
and cried out in a loud voice
to the one who had the sharp sickle,
“Use your sharp sickle and cut the clusters from the earth’s vines,
for its grapes are ripe.”
So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and cut the earth’s vintage.
He threw it into the great wine press of God’s fury.
Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13
Responsorial PsalmR. (13b)
The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Gospel
Lk 21:5-11
While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”
Meditation: Revelation 14:14-19
“Use your sickle and reap the harvest!” (Revelation 14:15)
Every farmer knows that there can be no such thing as harvest time without seed time. And God knows this too. Through Christ, he has planted the seed of his word, and one day he will harvest that seed. That’s what John is describing in this passage. However, it’s important to note that there are two harvests taking place: The first is the harvest of those who have followed God’s will. The second is the harvest of those who have rejected God, and their fate is to be trampled in “the great wine press of God’s fury” (Revelation 14:19).
That seems to be a rather frightening image. It may give us the idea that God is malevolent and vengeful. But Jesus makes it clear that those who are condemned are responsible for their own fate, because they have not believed in the salvation Jesus offers them (John 3:18). Scripture promises that if we live in love, we live in God (1 John 4:16). But if we refuse his love, we close ourselves off from his grace and find ourselves in darkness. The choice is ours and ours alone.
So how should we view this final judgment? First of all, it’s a warning about the danger of presumption. It reminds us that until we breathe our last, we remain frail human beings capable of falling away from God. If even St. Paul understood that he could be “disqualified” from heavenly rewards, then we have no less reason to keep watch on our spiritual progress (1 Corinthians 9:27)!
Yet as much as this passage serves as a warning, it should also encourage us. If we are trying our best to walk with Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid. We know that he has won the battle for us, and we know that like Paul, we can live victoriously in his love. Whatever the Lord calls us to, we can be completely confident that he will give us the power to accomplish it for him. Certainly none of us is “too big to fail”—but the God we serve can never fail!
“Lord, help me to worship you with holy awe, while I trust in you with abandon. Keep me mindful of your justice as you clothe me in your mercy!”
Rv 14:14-19
I, John, looked and there was a white cloud,
and sitting on the cloud one who looked like a son of man,
with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.
Another angel came out of the temple,
crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud,
“Use your sickle and reap the harvest,
for the time to reap has come,
because the earth’s harvest is fully ripe.”
So the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth,
and the earth was harvested.
Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven
who also had a sharp sickle.
Then another angel came from the altar, who was in charge of the fire,
and cried out in a loud voice
to the one who had the sharp sickle,
“Use your sharp sickle and cut the clusters from the earth’s vines,
for its grapes are ripe.”
So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and cut the earth’s vintage.
He threw it into the great wine press of God’s fury.
Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13
Responsorial PsalmR. (13b)
The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Gospel
Lk 21:5-11
While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”
Meditation: Revelation 14:14-19
“Use your sickle and reap the harvest!” (Revelation 14:15)
Every farmer knows that there can be no such thing as harvest time without seed time. And God knows this too. Through Christ, he has planted the seed of his word, and one day he will harvest that seed. That’s what John is describing in this passage. However, it’s important to note that there are two harvests taking place: The first is the harvest of those who have followed God’s will. The second is the harvest of those who have rejected God, and their fate is to be trampled in “the great wine press of God’s fury” (Revelation 14:19).
That seems to be a rather frightening image. It may give us the idea that God is malevolent and vengeful. But Jesus makes it clear that those who are condemned are responsible for their own fate, because they have not believed in the salvation Jesus offers them (John 3:18). Scripture promises that if we live in love, we live in God (1 John 4:16). But if we refuse his love, we close ourselves off from his grace and find ourselves in darkness. The choice is ours and ours alone.
So how should we view this final judgment? First of all, it’s a warning about the danger of presumption. It reminds us that until we breathe our last, we remain frail human beings capable of falling away from God. If even St. Paul understood that he could be “disqualified” from heavenly rewards, then we have no less reason to keep watch on our spiritual progress (1 Corinthians 9:27)!
Yet as much as this passage serves as a warning, it should also encourage us. If we are trying our best to walk with Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid. We know that he has won the battle for us, and we know that like Paul, we can live victoriously in his love. Whatever the Lord calls us to, we can be completely confident that he will give us the power to accomplish it for him. Certainly none of us is “too big to fail”—but the God we serve can never fail!
“Lord, help me to worship you with holy awe, while I trust in you with abandon. Keep me mindful of your justice as you clothe me in your mercy!”
22 November 2010
22 Nov 2010, Memorial of Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr
Reading 1
Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5
I, John, looked and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion,
and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand
who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
I heard a sound from heaven
like the sound of rushing water or a loud peal of thunder.
The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.
They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne,
before the four living creatures and the elders.
No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousand
who had been ransomed from the earth.
These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes.
They have been ransomed as the first fruits
of the human race for God and the Lamb.
On their lips no deceit has been found; they are unblemished.
Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 6)
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Gospel
Lk 21:1-4
When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people
putting their offerings into the treasury
and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
He said, “I tell you truly,
this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
Meditation: Revelation 14:1-5
“They follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” (Revelation 14:4)
Imagine these 144,000 saints in heaven, all singing a new song of worship to the Lord! At first glance, it may not seem like a very large number, given that there are over six billion people on the earth at this moment. But actually, this is a symbolic number—the twelve apostles multiplied by the twelve tribes of Israel multiplied by one hundred thousand. Such a number speaks of fullness and inclusiveness. It represents all the faithful—including us!
John tells us that these saints in heaven have Jesus’ and the Father’s names written across their foreheads. They haven’t been branded, as a rancher would brand his cattle. Rather, the image tells us that these people have the Lord on their minds at all times. Both on earth and in heaven, they follow Jesus wherever he goes. And because of such singleness and purity of heart, they sing a song that those whose hearts are divided or impure cannot fathom.
What an inspiration this image is for us as we try to follow Jesus, the Lamb of God, while here on earth! And what an encouragement that we can experience a bit of heaven here and now!
This passage urges us to keep the Lord in the forefront of our minds every day. One practical way to do this is to write down everything you know about Jesus. Start with the facts: He was born in first-century Palestine to a virgin named Mary. He preached, taught, and healed people in Galilee and Jerusalem. He was arrested and put to death on a cross. And he rose again three days later. Then get more personal. What has Jesus done for you? What healings have you experienced? Can you remember a time that you clearly experienced Jesus’ love for you in a tangible way?
As you recall and write these things down, ask the Holy Spirit to write them on your heart and etch them into your memory. In this way, you can join yourself ever more closely to the Lord, and to all the saints who have gone before you in heaven.
“Jesus, I proclaim my love for you. I am grateful for your gift of salvation, and I am honored to be invited to join with the saints in praising you. Teach me the songs of heaven. Help me to follow you today, wherever you go.”
Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5
I, John, looked and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion,
and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand
who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
I heard a sound from heaven
like the sound of rushing water or a loud peal of thunder.
The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.
They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne,
before the four living creatures and the elders.
No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousand
who had been ransomed from the earth.
These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes.
They have been ransomed as the first fruits
of the human race for God and the Lamb.
On their lips no deceit has been found; they are unblemished.
Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 6)
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Gospel
Lk 21:1-4
When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people
putting their offerings into the treasury
and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
He said, “I tell you truly,
this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
Meditation: Revelation 14:1-5
“They follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” (Revelation 14:4)
Imagine these 144,000 saints in heaven, all singing a new song of worship to the Lord! At first glance, it may not seem like a very large number, given that there are over six billion people on the earth at this moment. But actually, this is a symbolic number—the twelve apostles multiplied by the twelve tribes of Israel multiplied by one hundred thousand. Such a number speaks of fullness and inclusiveness. It represents all the faithful—including us!
John tells us that these saints in heaven have Jesus’ and the Father’s names written across their foreheads. They haven’t been branded, as a rancher would brand his cattle. Rather, the image tells us that these people have the Lord on their minds at all times. Both on earth and in heaven, they follow Jesus wherever he goes. And because of such singleness and purity of heart, they sing a song that those whose hearts are divided or impure cannot fathom.
What an inspiration this image is for us as we try to follow Jesus, the Lamb of God, while here on earth! And what an encouragement that we can experience a bit of heaven here and now!
This passage urges us to keep the Lord in the forefront of our minds every day. One practical way to do this is to write down everything you know about Jesus. Start with the facts: He was born in first-century Palestine to a virgin named Mary. He preached, taught, and healed people in Galilee and Jerusalem. He was arrested and put to death on a cross. And he rose again three days later. Then get more personal. What has Jesus done for you? What healings have you experienced? Can you remember a time that you clearly experienced Jesus’ love for you in a tangible way?
As you recall and write these things down, ask the Holy Spirit to write them on your heart and etch them into your memory. In this way, you can join yourself ever more closely to the Lord, and to all the saints who have gone before you in heaven.
“Jesus, I proclaim my love for you. I am grateful for your gift of salvation, and I am honored to be invited to join with the saints in praising you. Teach me the songs of heaven. Help me to follow you today, wherever you go.”
20 November 2010
21 Nov 2010, The Solemnity of Christ the King
Reading 1
2 Sm 5:1-3
In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said:
"Here we are, your bone and your flesh.
In days past, when Saul was our king,
it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back.
And the LORD said to you,
'You shall shepherd my people Israel
and shall be commander of Israel.'"
When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron,
King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD,
and they anointed him king of Israel.
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5
Responsorial PsalmR. (cf. 1)
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Reading 2
Col 1:12-20
Brothers and sisters:
Let us give thanks to the Father,
who has made you fit to share
in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
He delivered us from the power of darkness
and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Gospel
Lk 23:35-43
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
"He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
"Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."
Meditation: Colossians 1:12-20
Christ the King
He … transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. (Colossians 1:13)
History is filled with fallen monarchs whose reigns were characterized by selfishness and bloodshed. They built luxurious palaces while their subjects struggled in poverty. They isolated themselves by building walls and hiring bodyguards. And they dealt with neighboring countries with greedy brutality.
If this is what we expect in a king, it’s no surprise we find it hard to bow before Jesus. He held no political office. He led no army. He doesn’t present himself as a dictator who tramples on our liberty and demands blind obedience. He uses neither force nor guilt to maintain his rule. He doesn’t have to.
At the Last Supper, Jesus revealed his plan to take over the world. And what secret weapon did he have in his arsenal? Love. It could appear to be insignificant and powerless, but look at the history of the church. Divine love has conquered millions of people, restored millions of people, and inspired millions of people. It has sustained multitudes of saints and converted multitudes of sinners. Love changes history.
Compared to the fallen monarchs that have dotted the landscape of history, the kingship of Christ is different not in intensity but in kind. Jesus is armed with love and virtue, not guns and swords. He wears not a crown of jewels but of thorns. He blesses those who persecute him and prays for those who mistreat him. He turns the other cheek, and he calls us to do the same.
Am I a loyal subject of Christ the King? Do I imitate him by sowing love to those around me? On the eve of a new liturgical season, today is a great day to start anew. No matter what you have done, no matter where you have been, Christ will welcome you into his kingdom. Let him be your King.
“Jesus Christ, King of heaven and earth, I want to love you more each day. Come and make me into the person you want me to be.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(2 Samuel 5:1-3, Psalm 122:1-5, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43)
1. In the first reading, the Lord calls David to be a shepherd of his people, Israel. The people in turn, “anointed him king of Israel.” Similarly, Jesus is our shepherd and king, but not one who forces our love and devotion. Jesus has earned it by what he has done for us. How frequently during the day you focus on what Jesus did for you through his suffering, death, and resurrection? What steps can you take to focus on it more frequently?
2. The responsorial psalm speaks of the joy of being in the “house of the Lord.” It goes on to say that it is in the house of the Lord that we “give thanks to the name of the Lord.” How would you describe your attitude and disposition at Mass? What can you do to make it a more joyful and thankful experience?
3. Paul’s letter to the Colossians tells us that in Christ, we have been made “fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.” Take a moment and put into your own words what you believe that “inheritance” is. In what ways does knowing that you possess such a great inheritance make a difference in the way you live each day?
4. Paul also speaks forcefully of Jesus’ role in reconciling us and making peace. The end of the Church year is a good time to take stock of your relationships with Christ and others. Are there family members, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, etc. with whom you need reconciliation? What can you do to make reconciliation possible?
5. The scenes in today’s Gospel were vividly portrayed in the movie, “The Passion.” Many saints have urged us to keep Christ’s passion clearly before our mind’s eye throughout our day. What can you do to make that happen, especially in light of the busyness of our days?
6. The meditation poses these two questions: “Am I a loyal subject of Christ the King? Do I imitate him by sowing love to those around me?” How would you answer these? What steps can you take to allow Jesus’ kingship over you to be a greater reality in your life?
2 Sm 5:1-3
In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said:
"Here we are, your bone and your flesh.
In days past, when Saul was our king,
it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back.
And the LORD said to you,
'You shall shepherd my people Israel
and shall be commander of Israel.'"
When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron,
King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD,
and they anointed him king of Israel.
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5
Responsorial PsalmR. (cf. 1)
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Reading 2
Col 1:12-20
Brothers and sisters:
Let us give thanks to the Father,
who has made you fit to share
in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
He delivered us from the power of darkness
and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Gospel
Lk 23:35-43
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
"He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
"Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."
Meditation: Colossians 1:12-20
Christ the King
He … transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. (Colossians 1:13)
History is filled with fallen monarchs whose reigns were characterized by selfishness and bloodshed. They built luxurious palaces while their subjects struggled in poverty. They isolated themselves by building walls and hiring bodyguards. And they dealt with neighboring countries with greedy brutality.
If this is what we expect in a king, it’s no surprise we find it hard to bow before Jesus. He held no political office. He led no army. He doesn’t present himself as a dictator who tramples on our liberty and demands blind obedience. He uses neither force nor guilt to maintain his rule. He doesn’t have to.
At the Last Supper, Jesus revealed his plan to take over the world. And what secret weapon did he have in his arsenal? Love. It could appear to be insignificant and powerless, but look at the history of the church. Divine love has conquered millions of people, restored millions of people, and inspired millions of people. It has sustained multitudes of saints and converted multitudes of sinners. Love changes history.
Compared to the fallen monarchs that have dotted the landscape of history, the kingship of Christ is different not in intensity but in kind. Jesus is armed with love and virtue, not guns and swords. He wears not a crown of jewels but of thorns. He blesses those who persecute him and prays for those who mistreat him. He turns the other cheek, and he calls us to do the same.
Am I a loyal subject of Christ the King? Do I imitate him by sowing love to those around me? On the eve of a new liturgical season, today is a great day to start anew. No matter what you have done, no matter where you have been, Christ will welcome you into his kingdom. Let him be your King.
“Jesus Christ, King of heaven and earth, I want to love you more each day. Come and make me into the person you want me to be.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(2 Samuel 5:1-3, Psalm 122:1-5, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43)
1. In the first reading, the Lord calls David to be a shepherd of his people, Israel. The people in turn, “anointed him king of Israel.” Similarly, Jesus is our shepherd and king, but not one who forces our love and devotion. Jesus has earned it by what he has done for us. How frequently during the day you focus on what Jesus did for you through his suffering, death, and resurrection? What steps can you take to focus on it more frequently?
2. The responsorial psalm speaks of the joy of being in the “house of the Lord.” It goes on to say that it is in the house of the Lord that we “give thanks to the name of the Lord.” How would you describe your attitude and disposition at Mass? What can you do to make it a more joyful and thankful experience?
3. Paul’s letter to the Colossians tells us that in Christ, we have been made “fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.” Take a moment and put into your own words what you believe that “inheritance” is. In what ways does knowing that you possess such a great inheritance make a difference in the way you live each day?
4. Paul also speaks forcefully of Jesus’ role in reconciling us and making peace. The end of the Church year is a good time to take stock of your relationships with Christ and others. Are there family members, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, etc. with whom you need reconciliation? What can you do to make reconciliation possible?
5. The scenes in today’s Gospel were vividly portrayed in the movie, “The Passion.” Many saints have urged us to keep Christ’s passion clearly before our mind’s eye throughout our day. What can you do to make that happen, especially in light of the busyness of our days?
6. The meditation poses these two questions: “Am I a loyal subject of Christ the King? Do I imitate him by sowing love to those around me?” How would you answer these? What steps can you take to allow Jesus’ kingship over you to be a greater reality in your life?
20 Nov 2010, Saturday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Rv 11:4-12
I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me:
Here are my two witnesses:
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands
that stand before the Lord of the earth.
If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes out of their mouths
and devours their enemies.
In this way, anyone wanting to harm them is sure to be slain.
They have the power to close up the sky
so that no rain can fall during the time of their prophesying.
They also have power to turn water into blood
and to afflict the earth with any plague as often as they wish.
When they have finished their testimony,
the beast that comes up from the abyss
will wage war against them and conquer them and kill them.
Their corpses will lie in the main street of the great city,
which has the symbolic names “Sodom” and “Egypt,”
where indeed their Lord was crucified.
Those from every people, tribe, tongue, and nation
will gaze on their corpses for three and a half days,
and they will not allow their corpses to be buried.
The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them
and be glad and exchange gifts
because these two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth.
But after the three and a half days,
a breath of life from God entered them.
When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them.
Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, “Come up here.”
So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on.
Ps 144:1, 2, 9-10
Responsorial PsalmR. (1b)
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
My mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
O God, I will sing a new song to you;
with a ten‑stringed lyre I will chant your praise,
You who give victory to kings,
and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Gospel
Lk 20:27-40
Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,
came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,
“Teacher, Moses wrote for us,
If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child,
his brother must take the wife
and raise up descendants for his brother.
Now there were seven brothers;
the first married a woman but died childless.
Then the second and the third married her,
and likewise all the seven died childless.
Finally the woman also died.
Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?
For all seven had been married to her.”
Jesus said to them,
“The children of this age marry and remarry;
but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age
and to the resurrection of the dead
neither marry nor are given in marriage.
They can no longer die,
for they are like angels;
and they are the children of God
because they are the ones who will rise.
That the dead will rise
even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,
when he called ‘Lord’
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;
and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,
for to him all are alive.”
Some of the scribes said in reply,
“Teacher, you have answered well.”
And they no longer dared to ask him anything.
Meditation: Revelation 11:4-12
“These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.” (Revelation 11:4)
One reaction to reading the Book of Revelation can be: “John really had a vivid imagination!” But John was not making this up. He really did hear Jesus speaking to him. Though he was not trying to give a literal interpretation of the end times, John found a creative way of writing down what he had learned from the Lord so that he could encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus in difficult times.
Throughout the ages, God has called people from every walk of life into a deeper relationship with him by speaking his word to their hearts. Ignatius of Loyola was a hotheaded soldier recovering from a war wound when he heard Jesus call him to serve in God’s army. Mother Teresa was just an ordinary nun when Jesus asked her to serve the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. Francis of Assisi was the spoiled son of a businessman when he heard the call to embrace Lady Poverty and rebuild the church.
How deeply Jesus longs to speak to us! How dearly he longs to see us turn to him with great expectation, confident that we can hear his voice! Jesus speaks to us by putting a thought in our mind, or giving us a mental picture, or putting a person or situation on our heart. However it happens, the key element is that you know in your heart that what you have heard did not originate from within yourself. There is a distinct sense that this particular word or image was “from the Lord.”
Try this in your prayer today: Quiet your mind and think of someone you know who needs prayer. Picture that person in your mind and ask Jesus how you can serve him or her today. Listen quietly in your heart and see if an encouraging phrase, or a Scripture verse, or a specific action starts to impress itself on you. It’s quite possible that Jesus is speaking to you and telling you how you can love and care for this person today.
“Jesus, I want to hear your voice. Show me one way that I can care for someone today. Help me to grow in my ability to hear your voice in prayer. And help me to respond to what I hear.”
Rv 11:4-12
I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me:
Here are my two witnesses:
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands
that stand before the Lord of the earth.
If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes out of their mouths
and devours their enemies.
In this way, anyone wanting to harm them is sure to be slain.
They have the power to close up the sky
so that no rain can fall during the time of their prophesying.
They also have power to turn water into blood
and to afflict the earth with any plague as often as they wish.
When they have finished their testimony,
the beast that comes up from the abyss
will wage war against them and conquer them and kill them.
Their corpses will lie in the main street of the great city,
which has the symbolic names “Sodom” and “Egypt,”
where indeed their Lord was crucified.
Those from every people, tribe, tongue, and nation
will gaze on their corpses for three and a half days,
and they will not allow their corpses to be buried.
The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them
and be glad and exchange gifts
because these two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth.
But after the three and a half days,
a breath of life from God entered them.
When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them.
Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, “Come up here.”
So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on.
Ps 144:1, 2, 9-10
Responsorial PsalmR. (1b)
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
My mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
O God, I will sing a new song to you;
with a ten‑stringed lyre I will chant your praise,
You who give victory to kings,
and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Gospel
Lk 20:27-40
Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,
came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,
“Teacher, Moses wrote for us,
If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child,
his brother must take the wife
and raise up descendants for his brother.
Now there were seven brothers;
the first married a woman but died childless.
Then the second and the third married her,
and likewise all the seven died childless.
Finally the woman also died.
Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?
For all seven had been married to her.”
Jesus said to them,
“The children of this age marry and remarry;
but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age
and to the resurrection of the dead
neither marry nor are given in marriage.
They can no longer die,
for they are like angels;
and they are the children of God
because they are the ones who will rise.
That the dead will rise
even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,
when he called ‘Lord’
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;
and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,
for to him all are alive.”
Some of the scribes said in reply,
“Teacher, you have answered well.”
And they no longer dared to ask him anything.
Meditation: Revelation 11:4-12
“These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.” (Revelation 11:4)
One reaction to reading the Book of Revelation can be: “John really had a vivid imagination!” But John was not making this up. He really did hear Jesus speaking to him. Though he was not trying to give a literal interpretation of the end times, John found a creative way of writing down what he had learned from the Lord so that he could encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus in difficult times.
Throughout the ages, God has called people from every walk of life into a deeper relationship with him by speaking his word to their hearts. Ignatius of Loyola was a hotheaded soldier recovering from a war wound when he heard Jesus call him to serve in God’s army. Mother Teresa was just an ordinary nun when Jesus asked her to serve the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. Francis of Assisi was the spoiled son of a businessman when he heard the call to embrace Lady Poverty and rebuild the church.
How deeply Jesus longs to speak to us! How dearly he longs to see us turn to him with great expectation, confident that we can hear his voice! Jesus speaks to us by putting a thought in our mind, or giving us a mental picture, or putting a person or situation on our heart. However it happens, the key element is that you know in your heart that what you have heard did not originate from within yourself. There is a distinct sense that this particular word or image was “from the Lord.”
Try this in your prayer today: Quiet your mind and think of someone you know who needs prayer. Picture that person in your mind and ask Jesus how you can serve him or her today. Listen quietly in your heart and see if an encouraging phrase, or a Scripture verse, or a specific action starts to impress itself on you. It’s quite possible that Jesus is speaking to you and telling you how you can love and care for this person today.
“Jesus, I want to hear your voice. Show me one way that I can care for someone today. Help me to grow in my ability to hear your voice in prayer. And help me to respond to what I hear.”
19 November 2010
19 Nov 2010, Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Rv 10:8-11
I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me.
Then the voice spoke to me and said:
“Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel
who is standing on the sea and on the land.”
So I went up to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll.
He said to me, “Take and swallow it.
It will turn your stomach sour,
but in your mouth it will taste as sweet as honey.”
I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and swallowed it.
In my mouth it was like sweet honey,
but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.
Then someone said to me, “You must prophesy again
about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”
Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
Responsorial PsalmR. (103a)
How sweet to my taste is your promise!
In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Yes, your decrees are my delight;
they are my counselors.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
How sweet to my palate are your promises,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Your decrees are my inheritance forever;
the joy of my heart they are.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
I gasp with open mouth
in my yearning for your commands.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Gospel
Lk 19:45-48
Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out
those who were selling things, saying to them,
“It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer,
but you have made it a den of thieves.”
And every day he was teaching in the temple area.
The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile,
were seeking to put him to death,
but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose
because all the people were hanging on his words.
Meditation: Revelation 10:8-11
“Take the scroll … and swallow it.” (Revelation 10:8,9)
With this command, John is told to take in God’s word and make it his own—a word that he must embrace and then proclaim to his people. Curiously, the word tastes sweet in his mouth, but it turns sour in his stomach. Why? Because the initial encounter with God is always exciting, but when the word we receive calls for repentance or issues a stern judgment, it is hard to hear. And it is even harder to speak!
While this sweet-and-sour aspect of God’s word is interesting, what is more amazing is that God would speak to us at all—or, to put it more precisely, that we would be capable of receiving such wisdom and grasping it with our fallen, human minds! But that’s how much God loves us. He can’t stop reaching out to us, showing us his will and his wisdom.
Our God is infinitely creative in speaking to us. In addition to Scripture—which is obvious—he uses many other ways of getting through to our hearts and minds. We may hear his word in a homily or in the prayers and responses at Mass. Sometimes words we have heard and spoken time and time again strike us in a fresh way. Or God may speak to us in a song we happen to hear on the radio. Sometimes we become aware of God in the circumstances of our daily lives, inviting us to trust him or prompting us to reach out to someone in need.
In order to appropriate these words of God, we need to take time to let them sink in. We may need to “chew on” a thought for a while before we understand what it means or how to put it into practice.
As soon as you recognize God speaking to you, stop and listen. Then return often during the day to that word. Turn it over and examine it in different lights. Put it into your own words. Try applying it in different situations. Don’t be afraid if it excites you or convicts you. Let God’s word work. Ask, “How would I live if I really believed this? Then do it!”
“Jesus, you are the living Word of God. I invite you to come into my life today. Let your words come alive in me and transform me in your image.”
Rv 10:8-11
I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me.
Then the voice spoke to me and said:
“Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel
who is standing on the sea and on the land.”
So I went up to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll.
He said to me, “Take and swallow it.
It will turn your stomach sour,
but in your mouth it will taste as sweet as honey.”
I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and swallowed it.
In my mouth it was like sweet honey,
but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.
Then someone said to me, “You must prophesy again
about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”
Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
Responsorial PsalmR. (103a)
How sweet to my taste is your promise!
In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Yes, your decrees are my delight;
they are my counselors.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
How sweet to my palate are your promises,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Your decrees are my inheritance forever;
the joy of my heart they are.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
I gasp with open mouth
in my yearning for your commands.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Gospel
Lk 19:45-48
Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out
those who were selling things, saying to them,
“It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer,
but you have made it a den of thieves.”
And every day he was teaching in the temple area.
The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile,
were seeking to put him to death,
but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose
because all the people were hanging on his words.
Meditation: Revelation 10:8-11
“Take the scroll … and swallow it.” (Revelation 10:8,9)
With this command, John is told to take in God’s word and make it his own—a word that he must embrace and then proclaim to his people. Curiously, the word tastes sweet in his mouth, but it turns sour in his stomach. Why? Because the initial encounter with God is always exciting, but when the word we receive calls for repentance or issues a stern judgment, it is hard to hear. And it is even harder to speak!
While this sweet-and-sour aspect of God’s word is interesting, what is more amazing is that God would speak to us at all—or, to put it more precisely, that we would be capable of receiving such wisdom and grasping it with our fallen, human minds! But that’s how much God loves us. He can’t stop reaching out to us, showing us his will and his wisdom.
Our God is infinitely creative in speaking to us. In addition to Scripture—which is obvious—he uses many other ways of getting through to our hearts and minds. We may hear his word in a homily or in the prayers and responses at Mass. Sometimes words we have heard and spoken time and time again strike us in a fresh way. Or God may speak to us in a song we happen to hear on the radio. Sometimes we become aware of God in the circumstances of our daily lives, inviting us to trust him or prompting us to reach out to someone in need.
In order to appropriate these words of God, we need to take time to let them sink in. We may need to “chew on” a thought for a while before we understand what it means or how to put it into practice.
As soon as you recognize God speaking to you, stop and listen. Then return often during the day to that word. Turn it over and examine it in different lights. Put it into your own words. Try applying it in different situations. Don’t be afraid if it excites you or convicts you. Let God’s word work. Ask, “How would I live if I really believed this? Then do it!”
“Jesus, you are the living Word of God. I invite you to come into my life today. Let your words come alive in me and transform me in your image.”
18 November 2010
18 Nov 2010, Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Rv 5:1-10
I, John, saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who sat on the throne.
It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.
Then I saw a mighty angel who proclaimed in a loud voice,
“Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”
But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth
was able to open the scroll or to examine it.
I shed many tears because no one was found worthy
to open the scroll or to examine it.
One of the elders said to me, “Do not weep.
The lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed,
enabling him to open the scroll with its seven seals.”
Then I saw standing in the midst of the throne
and the four living creatures and the elders
a Lamb that seemed to have been slain.
He had seven horns and seven eyes;
these are the seven spirits of God sent out into the whole world.
He came and received the scroll from the right hand
of the one who sat on the throne.
When he took it,
the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders
fell down before the Lamb.
Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense,
which are the prayers of the holy ones.
They sang a new hymn:
“Worthy are you to receive the scroll
and break open its seals,
for you were slain and with your Blood you purchased for God
those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation.
You made them a kingdom and priests for our God,
and they will reign on earth.”
Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b Responsorial Psalm
R. (Rev. 5:10)
The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Lk 19:41-44
As Jesus drew near Jerusalem,
he saw the city and wept over it, saying,
“If this day you only knew what makes for peace–
but now it is hidden from your eyes.
For the days are coming upon you
when your enemies will raise a palisade against you;
they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides.
They will smash you to the ground and your children within you,
and they will not leave one stone upon another within you
because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”
Meditation: Revelation 5:1-10
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“I shed many tears.” (Revelation 5:4)
Why did John weep? Because no one—not even in heaven—was found worthy to “open the scroll or examine it” (Revelation 5:3). Some commentators hold that the scroll, with its seven seals, symbolizes God’s reading of human history, with its light and shadows, its good and evil. Only Jesus, the Lamb of God, is capable of dealing with the consequences of sin and purging humanity of its final remants so that we can at last be brought to our heavenly home.
This scene shows us that no matter how far off track humanity has gone, Jesus is still the Lord of history. He alone has the power and grace necessary to right the wrongs that human sin have inflicted on his creation—and he has done it in such a way that humanity itself can still be saved!
This is why the entire court of heaven sings a “new hymn” to Jesus (Revelation 5:9). Through Christ, creation has been restored. Now anyone who embraces the gospel can become a minister of God’s kingdom on earth (5:10). Now, because of Jesus’ cross, we can all live with him in eternity!
Don’t you sometimes feel like John—troubled and saddened because you can’t see how God’s great plan for your life could possibly be fulfilled? Perhaps your vision gets clouded by all that life throws at you or by your own sin, which opposes what God wants to accomplish. Perhaps it’s just because you can’t see what’s around the next bend, so you don’t know how to prepare. It’s at times like these that you need to remember the elder’s encouraging words: Jesus is in charge! He has read the scroll, and he knows what he’s doing. His hand is on you, and he is asking you to trust and believe.
Today’s passage is a call to worship the Lord during these times of questions—just as these heavenly creatures are doing. Sing songs of praise to him! Sit before him in silent adoration! Immerse yourself in his promises in Scripture! Let him give you a clearer insight into his will and help you surrender to him more fully. Let him show you that he knows what he is doing. Let him prove that his mercies are new every single day! (Lamentations 3:22-23).
“Lord, I give you praise and glory! Thank you for having written my name on the palm of your hand.”
17 November 2010
17 Nov 2010, Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious
Reading 1
Rv 4:1-11
I, John, had a vision of an open door to heaven,
and I heard the trumpetlike voice
that had spoken to me before, saying,
“Come up here and I will show you what must happen afterwards.”
At once I was caught up in spirit.
A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne sat one
whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian.
Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald.
Surrounding the throne I saw twenty-four other thrones
on which twenty-four elders sat,
dressed in white garments and with gold crowns on their heads.
From the throne came flashes of lightning,
rumblings, and peals of thunder.
Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne,
which are the seven spirits of God.
In front of the throne was something that resembled
a sea of glass like crystal.
In the center and around the throne,
there were four living creatures
covered with eyes in front and in back.
The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf,
the third had a face like that of a man,
and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight.
The four living creatures, each of them with six wings,
were covered with eyes inside and out.
Day and night they do not stop exclaiming:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty,
who was, and who is, and who is to come.”
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks
to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
the twenty-four elders fall down
before the one who sits on the throne
and worship him, who lives forever and ever.
They throw down their crowns before the throne, exclaiming:
“Worthy are you, Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things;
because of your will they came to be and were created.”
Ps 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6
Responsorial Psalm
R. (1b) Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!
Praise the LORD in his sanctuary,
praise him in the firmament of his strength.
Praise him for his mighty deeds,
praise him for his sovereign majesty.
R. Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!
Praise him with the blast of the trumpet,
praise him with lyre and harp,
Praise him with timbrel and dance,
praise him with strings and pipe.
R. Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!
Praise him with sounding cymbals,
praise him with clanging cymbals.
Let everything that has breath
praise the LORD! Alleluia.
R. Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!
Gospel
Lk 19:11-28
While people were listening to Jesus speak,
he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem
and they thought that the Kingdom of God
would appear there immediately.
So he said,
“A nobleman went off to a distant country
to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return.
He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins
and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’
His fellow citizens, however, despised him
and sent a delegation after him to announce,
‘We do not want this man to be our king.’
But when he returned after obtaining the kingship,
he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money,
to learn what they had gained by trading.
The first came forward and said,
‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’
He replied, ‘Well done, good servant!
You have been faithful in this very small matter;
take charge of ten cities.’
Then the second came and reported,
‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’
And to this servant too he said,
‘You, take charge of five cities.’
Then the other servant came and said,
‘Sir, here is your gold coin;
I kept it stored away in a handkerchief,
for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man;
you take up what you did not lay down
and you harvest what you did not plant.’
He said to him,
‘With your own words I shall condemn you,
you wicked servant.
You knew I was a demanding man,
taking up what I did not lay down
and harvesting what I did not plant;
why did you not put my money in a bank?
Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’
And to those standing by he said,
‘Take the gold coin from him
and give it to the servant who has ten.’
But they said to him,
‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’
He replied, ‘I tell you,
to everyone who has, more will be given,
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king,
bring them here and slay them before me.’”
After he had said this,
he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.
Meditation: Revelation 4:1-11
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty!” (Revelation 4:8)
How amazing heaven must be! In today’s first reading, we get only a glimpse of its glory—and a secondhand glimpse at that—and still our hearts thrill. Imagine the throne of God, the twenty-four elders, the four living creatures, the flashes of lightning and peals of thunder. Just try to wrap your mind around the throne of God where, all day and night, an unending stream of worship, adoration, and praise rises up to the Father. And what makes this even more amazing is that all this is going on right now, even as the world continues to spin, as nations rise and fall, as armies amass, and as families the world over experience the ups and downs of life.
Keeping this heavenly reality in our minds can help us find the right balance as we go through our days. Remember: One day, you too will stand before the throne of God. He who has known you from all time will not just sit there unmoved, either. He will rejoice over you!
Even now, God finds great joy in you. He delights in your faith, even as he sees the pockets of unbelief. He rejoices over your courage, your compassion, and your love, even as he sees your struggles with temptation. He enjoys touching your heart, helping you grow in holiness, and giving you a taste of heaven right now. All because he loves you.
There is so much we don’t understand about God or heaven. Words alone could never capture divine reality—not even the words of the Bible. But there is one thing we can be sure of: God’s love for each and every one of us is firm. It is unchanging. It is foundational to who we are and what we can become. Every hope and dream, every desire and longing, every purpose and goal in our lives finds its ultimate fulfillment in God and in the home he has prepared for us.
So lift up your heart today, no matter what your situation is! Your Father has a perfect plan for you. He rejoices in you now, and he can’t wait for the day when you will finally see him face to face!
“Thank you, Father, for your boundless love! As I walk through this day, help me to keep you and your heavenly home in the forefront of my mind.”
16 November 2010
16 Nov 2010, Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Rv 3:1-6, 14-22
I, John, heard the Lord saying to me:
“To the angel of the Church in Sardis, write this:
“‘The one who has the seven spirits of God
and the seven stars says this: “I know your works,
that you have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Be watchful and strengthen what is left, which is going to die,
for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
Remember then how you accepted and heard; keep it, and repent.
If you are not watchful, I will come like a thief,
and you will never know at what hour I will come upon you.
However, you have a few people in Sardis
who have not soiled their garments;
they will walk with me dressed in white,
because they are worthy.
“‘The victor will thus be dressed in white,
and I will never erase his name from the book of life
but will acknowledge his name in the presence of my Father
and of his angels.
“‘Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
“To the angel of the Church in Laodicea, write this:
“‘The Amen, the faithful and true witness,
the source of God’s creation, says this:
“I know your works;
I know that you are neither cold nor hot.
I wish you were either cold or hot.
So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold,
I will spit you out of my mouth.
For you say, ‘I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,’
and yet do not realize that you are wretched,
pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich,
and white garments to put on
so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed,
and buy ointment to smear on your eyes so that you may see.
Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise.
Be earnest, therefore, and repent.
“‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
then I will enter his house and dine with him,
and he with me.
I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne,
as I myself first won the victory
and sit with my Father on his throne.
“‘Whoever has ears ought to hear
what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5
Responsorial Psalm
R. (Rev. 3: 21) I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.
He who walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.
R. I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
By whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.
Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
shall never be disturbed.
R. I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.
Gospel
Lk 19:1-10
At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.
Now a man there named Zacchaeus,
who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,
was seeking to see who Jesus was;
but he could not see him because of the crowd,
for he was short in stature.
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,
who was about to pass that way.
When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said,
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
for today I must stay at your house.”
And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying,
“He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.”
But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord,
“Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor,
and if I have extorted anything from anyone
I shall repay it four times over.”
And Jesus said to him,
“Today salvation has come to this house
because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.
For the Son of Man has come to seek
and to save what was lost.”
Meditation: Luke 19:1-10
“Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:9)
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in Jericho and a wealthy man, presumably because he extorted people. He had probably heard about Jesus and his miracles and teachings, and he was intrigued enough to climb a tree to get a good view as Jesus passed by. Maybe it was only curiosity on Zacchaeus’ part, or maybe he thought that this holy man could change him in some way. Whatever the case, this one action of Zacchaeus—climbing the tree—touched Jesus’ heart. Jesus looked up at him and offered to come to his house.
We often think of our relationship with Jesus as going in only one direction. We know that he can touch our hearts, and he often does. But how often have you thought that some act of faith or love on your part could move him? It may be something you don’t think is a very big deal. Perhaps you got up early one morning to attend daily Mass. Perhaps you said a rosary on your way to work. Maybe you spent extra time helping a sick neighbor or comforting an anxious friend. In all these ways, you were seeking out Jesus. And Jesus responds to us just as he did to Zacchaeus—with mercy and love.
Zacchaeus’ conversion was immediate, but surely in the days that followed, he needed to continue and deepen his conversion. Whatever way God first touched our lives, we too need to keep taking small steps each day toward Jesus, seeking him out and nurturing our friendship with him. Every day as we come to him in prayer, we can be assured that we will be welcomed as Zacchaeus was, even if we have sinned and need his forgiveness and mercy.
Today in prayer, imagine yourself as Zacchaeus in that tree. Look down into the face of Jesus as he speaks to you. Imagine his joy as he looks up at you and invites you to come to him. Think of how your small act of faith has touched his heart. Think of the joy you give him every time you turn to him. What joy it is to give joy to our Lord! May we, like this tax collector, be always willing and ready to seek him out.
“Jesus, I want to touch your heart. Here I am, ready to encounter you.”
14 November 2010
15 Nov 2010, Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him,
to show his servants what must happen soon.
He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
who gives witness to the word of God
and to the testimony of Jesus Christ by reporting what he saw.
Blessed is the one who reads aloud
and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message
and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near.
John, to the seven churches in Asia: grace to you and peace
from him who is and who was and who is to come,
and from the seven spirits before his throne.
I heard the Lord saying to me:
“To the angel of the Church in Ephesus, write this:
“‘The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand
and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this:
“I know your works, your labor, and your endurance,
and that you cannot tolerate the wicked;
you have tested those who call themselves Apostles but are not,
and discovered that they are impostors.
Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name,
and you have not grown weary.
Yet I hold this against you:
you have lost the love you had at first.
Realize how far you have fallen.
Repent, and do the works you did at first.
Otherwise, I will come to you
and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”’”
Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Responsorial Psalm
R. (Rev. 2:17)
Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.
Gospel
Lk 18:35-43
As Jesus approached Jericho
a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,
and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
They told him,
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”
The people walking in front rebuked him,
telling him to be silent,
but he kept calling out all the more,
“Son of David, have pity on me!”
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him;
and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
“What do you want me to do for you?”
He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
He immediately received his sight
and followed him, giving glory to God.
When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
Meditation: Luke 18:35-43
“Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” (Luke 18:38)
How ironic! Here is this blind man in the midst of a crowd of people who could see—and yet this fellow “saw” Jesus more clearly than all those who had good eyesight! While everyone else tried to shush him—maybe out of embarrassment or misplaced reverence—this fellow knew who Jesus was. He could see that Jesus would never ignore anyone who calls out to him.
It wasn’t just his vision that was keen. This man had very good hearing as well! What if this man had listened to the crowd and kept his mouth shut? He wouldn’t have been healed! But he had heard the Scriptures proclaim that the Messiah would come from David’s lineage: “I have sworn to David my servant: I will make your dynasty stand forever and establish your throne through all ages.” (Psalm 89:4-5). Instead of listening to the people around him, he chose to listen to the word of God and to the voice of the Spirit, which told him to cry out in faith!
What an example for us! All around us, we see hardships that might convince us that God doesn’t intervene in people’s lives. We hear philosophies telling us to go it alone. Sometimes we listen to these voices. We try other strategies before we admit we can’t solve a problem by ourselves. But then something shakes us up, and we remember who God is. That’s when we “confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help” (Hebrews 4:16).
The place where we come closest to the throne of grace is at the eucharistic table. At every Mass, Jesus is there to meet us, just as he met the blind beggar. He wants to ask us: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41). All we need to do is open our eyes to his presence and listen for his voice speaking in our hearts. Then we will be eager to cry out to him for the help we need.
So what do you want Jesus to do for you? For your family? For your friends? Don’t be afraid to cry out in faith!
“Lord, I trust in you and not in my own abilities. I give you all my doubts and fears. May they vanish before the victory of your cross and resurrection!”
Mobile Blogging from here.
14 Nov 2010, Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Mal 3:19-20a
Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,
when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,
and the day that is coming will set them on fire,
leaving them neither root nor branch,
says the LORD of hosts.
But for you who fear my name, there will arise
the sun of justice with its healing rays.
Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
Responsorial PsalmR. (cf. 9)
The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to rule the earth,
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Reading 2
2 Thes 3:7-12
Brothers and sisters:
You know how one must imitate us.
For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,
nor did we eat food received free from anyone.
On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day
we worked, so as not to burden any of you.
Not that we do not have the right.
Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you,
so that you might imitate us.
In fact, when we were with you,
we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work,
neither should that one eat.
We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a
disorderly way,
by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.
Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly
and to eat their own food.
Lk 21:5-19
Gospel
While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, "All that you see here--
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."
Then they asked him,
"Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
He answered,
"See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,’ and 'The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Then he said to them,
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
"Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
Meditation: Luke 21:5-19
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21:19)
Today’s Gospel reading tells us that Jesus’ second coming is not just a one-day event. Rather, it is the culmination of a seemingly ageless battle between light and darkness. This battle has been raging since the devil was first driven out of heaven, and Satan’s goal is to keep on fighting until everything in creation has been overwhelmed.
What the devil hasn’t counted on, however, is the surpassing per-severance of God. He remains ever the same, and his patience will not expire with a cataclysmic snap engulfing the world in darkness. No, he is ever kind, compassionate, and gentle toward his people. He will never abandon the world to the devil. And neither will he let us succeed in totally destroying one another. He is waiting patiently, “not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
When we ponder the Second Coming—as we do every year at this time—we have two choices. Either we can become frightened and over-whelmed, or we can recall the truths of the gospel. God is in control of everything. We are safe and secure in Christ. We know the One in whom we have believed—Jesus, who died out of love for us. He is able to guard us until he comes again. We can place our trust and hope in him.
So in the midst of upheavals such as the ones Jesus described, hold on to hope. From beginning to end, he reassures us, “Do not be terrifi ed” (Luke 21:9). “Not a hair on your head will be destroyed” (21:18). We don’t even have to worry about how to defend ourselves, for Jesus will give us the wisdom we need. In Christ, through faith and obedience, we will never be left alone. So lift up your heart to the Lord and entrust every-thing—all times, all seasons—into his loving care.
“Lord, I believe that you love and watch over me at all times. Strengthen my faith and my resolve to obey you, so that I may endure in patient hope until the day you come again.”
Mal 3:19-20a
Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,
when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,
and the day that is coming will set them on fire,
leaving them neither root nor branch,
says the LORD of hosts.
But for you who fear my name, there will arise
the sun of justice with its healing rays.
Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
Responsorial PsalmR. (cf. 9)
The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to rule the earth,
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Reading 2
2 Thes 3:7-12
Brothers and sisters:
You know how one must imitate us.
For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,
nor did we eat food received free from anyone.
On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day
we worked, so as not to burden any of you.
Not that we do not have the right.
Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you,
so that you might imitate us.
In fact, when we were with you,
we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work,
neither should that one eat.
We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a
disorderly way,
by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.
Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly
and to eat their own food.
Lk 21:5-19
Gospel
While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, "All that you see here--
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."
Then they asked him,
"Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
He answered,
"See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,’ and 'The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Then he said to them,
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
"Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
Meditation: Luke 21:5-19
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21:19)
Today’s Gospel reading tells us that Jesus’ second coming is not just a one-day event. Rather, it is the culmination of a seemingly ageless battle between light and darkness. This battle has been raging since the devil was first driven out of heaven, and Satan’s goal is to keep on fighting until everything in creation has been overwhelmed.
What the devil hasn’t counted on, however, is the surpassing per-severance of God. He remains ever the same, and his patience will not expire with a cataclysmic snap engulfing the world in darkness. No, he is ever kind, compassionate, and gentle toward his people. He will never abandon the world to the devil. And neither will he let us succeed in totally destroying one another. He is waiting patiently, “not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
When we ponder the Second Coming—as we do every year at this time—we have two choices. Either we can become frightened and over-whelmed, or we can recall the truths of the gospel. God is in control of everything. We are safe and secure in Christ. We know the One in whom we have believed—Jesus, who died out of love for us. He is able to guard us until he comes again. We can place our trust and hope in him.
So in the midst of upheavals such as the ones Jesus described, hold on to hope. From beginning to end, he reassures us, “Do not be terrifi ed” (Luke 21:9). “Not a hair on your head will be destroyed” (21:18). We don’t even have to worry about how to defend ourselves, for Jesus will give us the wisdom we need. In Christ, through faith and obedience, we will never be left alone. So lift up your heart to the Lord and entrust every-thing—all times, all seasons—into his loving care.
“Lord, I believe that you love and watch over me at all times. Strengthen my faith and my resolve to obey you, so that I may endure in patient hope until the day you come again.”
13 November 2010
13 Nov 2010, Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin
Reading 1
3 Jn 5-8
Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and sisters,
especially for strangers;
they have testified to your love before the Church.
Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey.
For they have set out for the sake of the Name
and are accepting nothing from the pagans.
Therefore, we ought to support such persons,
so that we may be co-workers in the truth.
Ps 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR.
Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Wealth and riches shall be in his house;
his generosity shall endure forever.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Lk 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, “There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.’”
The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Meditation: 3 John 5-8
“Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey.” (3 John 6)
John wrote this short letter to a man named Gaius. It is a letter of introduction, urging Gaius to welcome missionaries and offer them hospitality so they can continue their journey.
Scripture places great value on hospitality, which is still very important in the cultures of the Middle East. No matter how poor he is, a person in this region will eagerly welcome strangers into his home, setting his best food before them and attentively waiting on them. The story of Abraham is proverbial: The strangers he welcomes turn out to be angels, who foretell the imminent birth of his long-awaited son and heir (Genesis 18:1-15).
Sometimes we have opportunities to give and receive this sort of hospitality. It may be a single event like hosting the family Thanksgiving gathering or planning a neighborhood party. It may be more of a long-term commitment, like taking in an exchange student or a foster child.
But hospitality also has a spiritual dimension. Even if we don’t offer people a bed or a meal, we can “help them continue their journey.” We are all on a journey. When we were baptized, each of us “set out for the sake of the Name” (3 John 7). Each of us is at a different stage of the journey. Some are just now having a personal awakening to the power and reality of Christ. Others may be preparing to meet God face-to-face. Wherever we are, we can welcome our fellow travelers. Sometimes that will mean giving a hand to someone who needs it. Sometimes it will mean applauding someone who is moving forward. Sometimes that will mean offering material assistance, and other times it will mean a word of encouragement. Or timely instruction. Or even a word of correction and redirection.
Take a moment to think about those who have helped you on your journey and to think of how you can pass along this hospitality to someone else. Are you ready to open your home and your heart to family members, to neighbors, to fellow parishioners, to strangers, or to the needy? As you do this, you’ll find the journey even more enjoyable.
“Father, thank you for the people who have opened their hearts and their homes to me. Open my eyes to those you would have me help on their journey to you.”
3 Jn 5-8
Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and sisters,
especially for strangers;
they have testified to your love before the Church.
Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey.
For they have set out for the sake of the Name
and are accepting nothing from the pagans.
Therefore, we ought to support such persons,
so that we may be co-workers in the truth.
Ps 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR.
Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Wealth and riches shall be in his house;
his generosity shall endure forever.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Lk 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, “There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.’”
The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Meditation: 3 John 5-8
“Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey.” (3 John 6)
John wrote this short letter to a man named Gaius. It is a letter of introduction, urging Gaius to welcome missionaries and offer them hospitality so they can continue their journey.
Scripture places great value on hospitality, which is still very important in the cultures of the Middle East. No matter how poor he is, a person in this region will eagerly welcome strangers into his home, setting his best food before them and attentively waiting on them. The story of Abraham is proverbial: The strangers he welcomes turn out to be angels, who foretell the imminent birth of his long-awaited son and heir (Genesis 18:1-15).
Sometimes we have opportunities to give and receive this sort of hospitality. It may be a single event like hosting the family Thanksgiving gathering or planning a neighborhood party. It may be more of a long-term commitment, like taking in an exchange student or a foster child.
But hospitality also has a spiritual dimension. Even if we don’t offer people a bed or a meal, we can “help them continue their journey.” We are all on a journey. When we were baptized, each of us “set out for the sake of the Name” (3 John 7). Each of us is at a different stage of the journey. Some are just now having a personal awakening to the power and reality of Christ. Others may be preparing to meet God face-to-face. Wherever we are, we can welcome our fellow travelers. Sometimes that will mean giving a hand to someone who needs it. Sometimes it will mean applauding someone who is moving forward. Sometimes that will mean offering material assistance, and other times it will mean a word of encouragement. Or timely instruction. Or even a word of correction and redirection.
Take a moment to think about those who have helped you on your journey and to think of how you can pass along this hospitality to someone else. Are you ready to open your home and your heart to family members, to neighbors, to fellow parishioners, to strangers, or to the needy? As you do this, you’ll find the journey even more enjoyable.
“Father, thank you for the people who have opened their hearts and their homes to me. Open my eyes to those you would have me help on their journey to you.”
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