- Admin
- Nov 15, 2024
- 3 min read
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/
