Saturday, November 16, 2013

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - November 17, 2013




THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
November 17, 2013


GOSPEL READING: Luke 21:5-19

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."


FIRST READING: Malachi 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.


RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 98:5-6, 7-8, 9

R.  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.


SECOND READING: 2 Thessalonians 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.




REFLECTION…

This is the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. During these last weeks of our liturgical year we consider the “end times,” which help us reflect on how we need to live right now. In today’s gospel Jesus lists signs of the end times – wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famine, plagues, etc.—which also describes our time, and human history as it has always been. What is challenging you and your loved ones right now? How is Christ present to you in the midst of these challenges?

Here and now, in these difficult times, is when we are called to be disciples. May this liturgy nourish our trust in God and strengthen us to faithfully live out our discipleship.

Readings for this Sunday:

Malachi 3:19-20a. The day of the Lord is coming like a sunrise bringing healing in its rays.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-12. Continue to live just and upright lives, don’t just sit back and wait for the dawning of the Lord's new day.

Luke 21:5-19. Despite all the difficulties facing you, not a hair of your head will be harmed. In your patience you will save your lives. This reading also calls on Jesus' followers to trust in God, no matter what might happen.






No comments:

Post a Comment