The Word today, W32B
- Admin
- Nov 8, 2024
- 3 min read
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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