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Our Sunday Reflection - November 17, 2024
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"You are my inheritance, O Lord!"
Psalm 16
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
Today and next Sunday we celebrate the final Sundays of the liturgical year. The readings at this time of year traditionally focus on the last days: the time when this world will come to an end. Consequently, we hear of tribulations and horrors, of “a time unsurpassed in distress.” We may scoff at such “The world is ending!” paranoia, but in the back of our minds we know that one day, one way or another, the earth will be no more. May our trust in a loving and merciful God console us.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Today we hear two great examples of apocalyptic literature, a style of writing that prophesies about the end of the world. Both Daniel and Jesus hope to arouse a sense of urgency if not fear in their listeners. Phrases like “everlasting horror” and “stars . . . falling from the sky” will do that! Even as we hear the many foreboding visions, let us also listen for words of hope, trusting in a God whose generosity remains unsurpassed.Reflections
- The days are growing shorter. The nights are getting longer. For those few who live above the arctic circle, the sun has disappeared for weeks now and won’t return until March. The first part of the Gospel resonates loudly for them! As terrifying as some of the images are, as unpleasant as our long nights of winter are, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in charge. The Son of Man will come with his angels and gather those who live in the Lord to be with God. May that give us comfort as the nights continue to grow longer and colder.
- The Bible is full of many different genres, from Jewish histories to Jesus’ parables, from the poetry of the psalmist to the apocalyptic literature we hear today. As they are in poetry, the words in apocalyptic writings are meant to be understood differently from those of other parts of the Bible. In writing down these terrible images, Daniel and Mark were not trying to describe what would literally happen in the future, but to shake their listeners out of their somnolence. “Watch out!” “Look ahead!” But each includes words of reassurance. Daniel’s image of the wise and just fixed like stars in the night sky reminds us of God’s promise to Abraham. And Jesus’ reference to himself coming in glory on the last day reminds his disciples that he will always be with us, even as he was facing his crucifixion, death, and burial.
- We end where we began just about an entire year ago. The Gospel we heard on the first Sunday of Advent, on December 3, 2023, was the passage of Mark that immediately follows today’s Gospel. “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33). But remember the context then. Christmas was not even four weeks away. From the time Jesus was born into this world, and even more now that he is risen to new life, he has been with us. So we can face whatever tribulations may happen—in the world, in our lives—for we know that no matter what, Jesus is with us. We have no need to be afraid
Question of the Week
How do I balance the vigilance I am called to exercise in anticipation of the end of the world with the comfort I take in God’s merciful presence?
-from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, November 17, 2024
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, November 17, 2024
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Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS -
Reflections on the readings
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News from the Vatican
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