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The Word today, Christ the KingB

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Nov 23, 2024
  • 3 min read

ree

November 25 - November 30, 2024


St Clement 1, bishop of Rome, martyr; St Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr; St Colman of Cloyne, bishop.


Apocalypse 14:1-5 A vision of heaven opens—for those who following the Lamb. The 144,000 is symbolic (12x12x1000) meaning the whole world, everyone.


Luke 21:1-4 Though brief, this is a powerful story. We all recognise that quantity is not the measure of the gift but quality of the giving, the attitude of the heart. The little anecdote is in sharp contrast to the preceding avarice of the scribes.



Apocalypse 14:14-19 In this vision, the sufferings of the end of time are read using harvest imagery. Harvest, suggesting fruitfulness and ingathering, is a natural metaphor for the end of time.


Luke 21:5-11 Luke wrote long after the destruction of the Temple. The issue for him is not the destruction but the link between its ruin and the end of time. He writes to prevent useless speculation and insists that the end will not be at all secret but public.


St Fergal, bishop and missionary


Apocalypse 15:1-4 In this vision, the victory over evil is accomplished. The hymn quoted was probably used in the regular worship of the hearers. It’s use here is to encourage those still undergoing signicant harassment if not persecution.


Luke 21:12-19 Our gospels is a demanding teaching on the cost of bearing witness. As such, it looks forward to the Acts of the Apostles and there we see the early church suffering and courageously confessing Jesus. Jesus asks his disciples to follow his own example of costly faithfulness.



Apocalypse 18:1-2, 21-23, 19:1-3, 9 Today’s reading is a fantastical mock funeral for the forces of evil, represented by Babylon (= the Roman Empire). Thankfully, it ends positively.


Luke 21:20-28 There are two fairly distinct parts to our Gospel today. Firstly, Luke looks back on the actual destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 by the Romans. He reads the tragedy in the light of Old Testament predictions. The second part looks forward to the future coming of the Son of Man. For Luke, the extended “time of the church” leads to the end of time itself, at which point the believers will have nothing to fear.



Apocalypse 20:1-4,11-21 A dramatic vision of the end, with the destruction of evil, illustrated with ancient imagery of Satan, the Abyss and the book of life. Then God will establish the New Jerusalem, presenting her like a bride adorned.


Luke 21:29-33 A little horticulture may help. The g blossoms in late spring so it means that summer will soon arrive. The reference to “this generation” was already out of date, so to speak, when Luke wrote. Perhaps for him it points not to this very generation but to the generation at the end of time.


St Andrew, apostle


Romans 10:9-18 Paul is convinced that the Word of God is very near to us, “in our hearts and on our lips.” We need, nevertheless, bearers of that Word, more than ever…perhaps I could be a carrier myself ?


Matthew 4:18-22 As usual in the call stories, human things that would interest us—how did their wives and children feel?—are left out and we stand before the sovereign call of Jesus. Have I heard that call in my own life? coming is not a reason for complacency.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024aa, November 24). The solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112424.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 

The Word today, W33B

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Nov 15, 2024
  • 3 min read

ree

November 18 - November 23, 2024


Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts Peter and Paul, apostles


Apocalypse 1:1-4, 2:1-5 The opening words of this reading promise us happiness—if we listen! The close letter is call to repentance, never too late!


Luke 18:35-43 The blind man is strategically placed on the road out of Jericho, just when pilgrims would be feeling uplifted by the proximity of the Holy City. In expanded form, the prayer of the blind man has entered Christian tradition as the “Jesus prayer”: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.



Apocalypse 3:1-6, 14-22 The gospel communities in Sardis and Laodicea give the impression being alive…but the reality is otherwise. This wake-up call is for us too.


Luke 19:1-10 This beloved story has universal appeal. It illustrates both the proclamation of the Good News and its reception by conversation of heart. Of course, we all have to climb our own sycamore trees!



Apocalypse 4:1-11 A worship scene opens up for us: rich in symbol and mysterious. At the centre we hear words we use at every mass; at the end, we confess God, the creator of all there is.


Luke 19:11-28 Luke’s version of this parable —also found in Matthew, with an echo in Mark)—is provocative, even disturbing. It does reflect the instability of the making and unmaking of kings is late first century Palestine. At the same time, Luke wants us to read it as part of his teaching about Jesus, both proclaimer of the Kingdom and King. The frame is a severe warning not to flitter away the time of delay because the King will indeed return at an unexpected time.


Presentation of the BVM


Apocalypse 5:1-10 The sealed scroll contains the plan of God for the course of history. Who can open it? The lamb—Jesus—can open it, because of his cross and resurrection.


Luke 19:41-44 Our Gospel today—unique to Luke— looks back historically to what actually happened. Jesus looks back not in anger but in compassion. At the same time, the reason for the destruction is given: all because you did not recognise your opportunity when God offered it. This final comment brings the text into our present reality. Cf. See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! (2 Corinthians 6:2)


St Cecilia, virgin and martyr


Apocalypse 10:8-11 This puzzling scene—an echo of Ezekiel —tell us that the writer had a message both bitter and sweet. Sweet to those on the side of God; bitter to those on “the other side.”


Luke 19:45-48 Luke’s version of the Temple action is much gentler perhaps reflecting Luke’s concern to affirm the Jewish roots of the Christian movement. It is, nevertheless, a judgment and a prophetic call.


St Columbanus, abbot and missionary


Apocalypse 11:4-12 The Apocalypse does not lack obscurity—at least for us today! Who are the “two witnesses”? The imagery of the olive trees and the lampstands suggests channels through which God’s grace becomes effective, offering light. The Old Testament reference is to Zech 4:1- 14: Joshua the priest and Zerubbabel the king, here standing for the priestly and royal roles of Israel. Thus, they symbolise the church, God’s new people, both priestly and kingly.


The witnesses—church members—will indeed suffer martyrdom, but they are alive in God and their witness is ever effective.


Luke 20:27-40 Our reading today is certainly mysterious. It echoes stories of Elijah and Elisha. The prophets did and will suffer— but God, in whose hands they are, will raise them up.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024y, November 17). Thirty-third Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111724.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 

The Word today, W32B

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Nov 8, 2024
  • 3 min read

ree

November 11 - November 16, 2024


St Martin of Tours, bishop


Titus 1:1-9 Writing some generations after Paul but in his name, the writer gives a picture of emerging ministries. What qualities do we look for in our pastors?


Luke 17:1-6 Our Gospel is made up of three brief teachings. The expression “little ones” means, in the context, those just beginning the Christian life.


St Josaphat, bishop and martyr


Titus 2:1-8,11-14 We may smile (or otherwise!) at some of the time-bound advice given here, but behind it all is a vision of life transformed by the Good News of Jesus: grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race.


Luke 17:7-10 This passage is unique to Luke. It seems to be aimed at emerging “clergy” who feel important or, as we say, are losing the run of themselves. It should be read in conjunction with a contrasting passage in Luke 22:24-27 (NB).



Titus 3:1-7 After the turmoil of the first paragraph—recognisable in any age—the writer reminds us that all is grace.


Luke 17:11-19 Three little expressions can help in all contexts: “May I?”, “I’m sorry” and “Thank you.” Thanksgiving—eucharist—is at the heart of our worship and our relationship with God.


St Laurence O’Toole, bishop


Philemon 1:7-20 A runaway slave sought refuge with Paul and, in the meantime, had become a believer. Paul entrusted him back to his original master, but no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ.


Luke 17:20-25 In this Gospel, Jesus says the Kingdom of God is among you, a better translation than “within you.” It means the Kingdom is coming to be during the ministry of Jesus and even at the hands of Jesus, as he brings healing and forgiveness.


St Laurence: Festal Readings


Ezek 36:24-28 Ezekiel invites the exiles in Babylon to a real spiritual rebirth and not just a political restoration. What kind of renewal do we need today?


Colossians 3:12-15 St Laurence must often have reflected on theses verses in a very busy life, both as Abbot and as Archbishop. s there something for me?


John 10:11-18 Because it is read on the feast, this reading implies that leadership in the faith community must find its source and model in Jesus himself. Pastors should resemble the Good Shepherd etc. It does raise a question: how may we, by our critical support, enable our pastors to be truly good shepherds today?


St Albert the Great, bishop and doctor


2 John 1:4-9 The reading combines great warmth and encouragement with a severe warning against heresy, especially that heresy which denies the true humanity of our saviour. The core Johannine message is not lost, however: this is the commandment which you have heard since the beginning, to live a life of love.


Luke 17:26-37 Don’t be distracted by the last sentence, which is proverbial wisdom of unclear application. Instead, the core teaching is to look forwards, not backwards, in hope and confidence. As usual, discipleship comes at a cost.


St Margaret of Scotland


3 John 1:5-8 Here we have a little window onto the world of early Christianity. Those bearing the Gospel depended on the hospitality and good will of the communities they came to visit. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12:13)


Luke 18:1-8 The feisty widow is an appealing character and the parable does indeed illustrate the teaching on the need to pray continually and never to lose heart. The later reception of the parable may be noticed in the added verses.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024w, November 10). Thirty-second Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111024.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 
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