Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 159
Lectionary: 159
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.
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 PsalmPS 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
R. (cf. 9) 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.
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.
Reading 22 THES 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.
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.
GospelLK 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."
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."
Scripture Study
November 17, 2013
Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time
The readings this Sunday invite us to consider the final outcome of history -- both history in general and our own personal history. In the end, the unjust will be punished, and the just will be vindicated and rewarded for their faithfulness. Paul urges us not to waste time as we await the Great Day but, rather, to use the time we have in living out our Christian life and working for the Kingdom. Who or what helps you to persevere in your discipleship? Who relies on you to strengthen them in their perseverance? What is your response to hearing about the Second Coming of Jesus?
First Reading: Malachi 3: 19-20a
19 For 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. 20 But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.
NOTES on First Reading:
* 3:19 Traditionally Catholic translations and traditionally Protestant ones usually differ in the numbering of the verses from here to the end of the Book of Malachi. The difference arose because of variations in the way the verses of the Septuagint (Greek) and those of the Hebrew texts were numbered. I have followed the Catholic numbering. This verse is numbered as verse 1 of Chapter 4 in translations following the Protestant system. Malachi prophesies a time of vindication and joy for the just and destruction and punishment for the wicked.
* 3:20 This prophecy is alluded to in the story of the woman with the hemorrhage (Mark 5:25-34; Matthew 9:20-22; Luke 8:43-48) as well as in Luke 1:78 and following verses. The word translated here as "rays" literally means "wings" as it is sometimes translated in some other translations such as the Revised Standard Version and the King James Version. The tassels on the cloaks worn by Jewish men of the time were attached at the corners which were called the "wings" of the cloak. The woman was reaching out for the healing in the wings of the "Sun of Justice" and thus expressed her faith in Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy.
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12
7 For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 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. 9 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. 10 In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. 11 We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. 12 Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.
NOTES on Second Reading:
* 3:7-12 This portion of the letter is probably in response to a situation in the Thessalonian Church involving people who believed that there was no point in working since they were already saved and that Jesus would return at any moment. By their refusal to contribute to the common good such people eventually became a serious drag on the local community. Their behavior became more and more disruptive and disorderly until a subsistence society such as the first century church of Thessalonika could no longer afford to support them. The writer holds himself and his apostolic companions up as examples of the way that the Thessalonians ought to live. He asks that they imitate their constant diligence in work rather than falling into idleness. They are told that the way in which one wait's for the Lord's return is important. The time of waiting must be spent in useful work and prayer and not in idleness and disruption of other's lives. Apostolic practice and example was always seen as a practical norm of tradition within the church.
* 3:10 This rule was addressed to those who refused to work not to those who were unable to work. The early church was always careful to provide for the poor, the sick or injured, and, the elderly who could not work in a labor intensive subsistence system.
Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 5-19
5 While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, 6 "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."
7 Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" 8 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! 9 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." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
12 "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. 13 It will lead to your giving testimony. 14 Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, 15 for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. 16 You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name, 18 but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. 19 By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
NOTES on Gospel:
* 21:5-36 Although Jesus' eschatological (end-time) discourse in Luke is inspired by Mark 13, Luke has made some significant alterations to the words of Jesus as found there. Luke maintains, in a modified form, the early expectation of the end of the age (see Luke 21:27,28,31,32,36), but, by focusing attention throughout the gospel on the importance of the day-to-day following of Jesus and by reinterpreting the meaning of some of the signs of the end from Mark 13 he has come to terms with what seemed to the early Christian community to be a delay of the parousia. For example, Mark described the desecration of the Jerusalem temple by the Romans (Mark 13:14) as the apocalyptic symbol (see Daniel 9:27; 12:11) accompanying the end of the age and the coming of the Son of Man. Luke, in 21:20-24, however, removes the apocalyptic setting and separates the historical destruction of Jerusalem from the signs of the coming of the Son of Man by a period that he refers to as "the times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24).
* 21:7 The Greek word, "tauta", which is translated here as "these things" acts as a unifying phrase throughout ( verses 9,12,28,31,36) this complex passage. The antecedent of this generic phrase keeps changing, referring in turn to the destruction of the temple then the destruction of Jerusalem and finally to the destruction of the world.
* 21:8 By the time that Luke's Gospel was written in the form that we finally have it, the proclamation of the imminent end of the age has itself become a false teaching. The disciples must not mistake the destruction of the temple as the time of Christ's return.
* 21:12 For Luke and his community, some of the signs of the end just described (Luke 21:10-11) still lie in the future. But in dealing with the persecution of the disciples (Luke 21:12-19) and the destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20-24) Luke is pointing to events that they saw as eschatological signs that had already been fulfilled. "These things" or "all this" as translated here refers to the end of the world. The Jesus who had met controversy and opposition throughout His ministry now predicts the same treatment for his followers. But just as the rejected Jesus was vindicated by God the Father, so He would strengthen His disciples.
* 21:19 Jesus encourages them by telling them that by perseverance to the end they will gain that which they most fear losing, life itself.
Meditation: "Take
heed that you are not led astray"
How would you respond if someone prophesied that your church
or place of worship would be destroyed? Jesus foretold many signs that would
point to God's action in the world to purify and renew his people. To the great
consternation of the Jews, Jesus prophesied the destruction of their temple at
Jerusalem. The Jewish people took great pride in their temple, a marvel of the
ancient world. The foretelling of this destruction was a dire warning of
spiritual judgment in itself. They asked Jesus for a sign that would indicate
when this disastrous event would occur. Jesus admonished them to not look for
signs that would indicate the exact timing of impending destruction, but rather
to seek and pray for God's intervention of grace and mercy. Jesus said there
would be many signs of impending conflicts and disasters – such as wars,
famines, diseases, tidal waves, and earthquakes – which would precede the
struggles of the last days when God's anointed King would return to usher in
the full reign of God over the earth. In that day when the Lord returns there
will be a final judgement of the living and the dead when the secrets of every
heart will be brough to light (Luke 12:2-3; Romans 2:16).
Jesus' prophecy of the
destruction of the temple at Jerusalem was a two-edged sword, because it
pointed not only to God's judgment, but also to his saving action and mercy.
Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the dire consequences for all
who would reject him and his saving message. While the destruction of
Jerusalem's temple was determined (it was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D.),
there remained for its inhabitants a narrow open door leading to deliverance.
Jesus said: "I am the door; whoever enters by me will be saved" (John
10:9). Jesus willingly set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing that he
would meet betrayal, rejection, and death on a cross. His death on the cross,
however, brought about true freedom, peace, and victory over the powers of sin,
evil, and death – not only for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but for all – both
Jew and Gentile alike – who would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Do you
know the peace and security of a life submitted to the lordship of Jesus
Christ?
Jesus warns his followers
that they will be confronted with persecution, wickedness, false teaching, and
temptation. The real enemy of the gospel is Satan whom Jesus calls a
"murderer" and "father of lies" (John 8:44). Satan uses
fear and hatred to provoke hostility in others towards those who follow Jesus
Christ. And what is Jesus' response to this hostility and opposition? Love,
truth, and forgiveness. Only love can defeat prejudice, intollerance, hatred,
and envy. God's love purifies our hearts and minds of all that would divide and
tear people apart. The truth is also essential for overcoming evil and
tribulation in the world. Satan deceives and sin blinds the heart and mind.
Only God's truth can free us from error and spiritual blindness. The gospel is
God's word of truth and salvation. That is why Jesus tells his disciples to
proclaim the gospel throughout the whole world (Mark 16:15), even in the midst
of opposition and persecution.
Jesus tells his disciples
that if they endure to the end they will gain their lives –
they will see God's salvation and inherit eternal life and happiness with God.
Endurance is more than human effort and perseverance. It is a supernational
gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial, temptation,
and form of persecution. Endurance is strengthened with hope – the supernatural
assurance that we will see God face to face and inherit all the promises he has
made. Jesus is our supreme model and hero who endured the cross for our sake
(Hebrews 12:2). "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet
sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus willingly shed his blood
for our sake and for our salvation and he calls us to lay down our lives for
one another and to take up our cross in like manner (John 15:12-13; 1 John
3:16).
The word "martyr"
in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelations
says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by
his blood" (Revelations 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who
converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands
of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed."
Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church. The third
century bishop, Cyprian said: "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are
put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs. We have not enlisted in an army
to think of peace and to decline battle, for we see that the Lord has taken
first place in the conflict." True martyrs live and die as witnesses of
the gospel. They overcome their enemies through persevering hope and courage,
undying love and forebearance, kindness, goodness, and compassion.
St. Augustine of Hippo
wrote, "The martyrs were bound, jailed, scourged, racked, burned, rent,
butchered – and they multiplied!" Why is this the case? The Christian
martyrs witnessed to the truth, joy, and freedom of the gospel, by their lives,
their testimony, and by the shedding of their own blood for the name of Christ.
Today we unfortunately witness many extremists and misguided individuals who
will sacrifice their lives, and kill others in the process, out of hatred,
revenge, prejudice, and envy. From a Christian point of view, they are not true
martyrs because their sacrifice is not motivated by God's merciful love and
forgiveness, truth and righteousness.
True martyrs pray for their
persecutors and love their enemies. In their suffering and in their death they
witness the truth of the gospel – that "God so loved the world that he
gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have
eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus gave his life for all who would accept
him as their savior – whether Jew or Greek, Christian or Muslim, agnostic or
atheist. Satan seeks to destroy our faith through the fear of death and he
incites others to persecute Christians for their faith in Christ. Martyrs who
shed their blood for Jesus Christ win great victory, not only for themselves,
but for the whole people of God. The martyrs overcome Satan by enduring
suffering and death through their faith in Christ who died and rose for us. And
through their witness many others recognize the victory which Christ won on the
cross. The martyrs witness to the truth – the truth of Jesus Christ and his
power to overcome sin, fear, hatred, violence, and prejudice, and even death
itself. What gives courage and confidence to the martyrs is the firm hope in
the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life and and
unending happiness with God.
God may call some of us to
be martyrs for our faith. But for most of us, our call is to be 'dry' martyrs
who bear testimony to the joy and power of the gospel in the midst of daily
challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as
we follow the Lord Jesus. What will attract others to the truth and power of
the gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in
suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and
compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need
to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and
wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you
ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and
freedom of the gospel?
"Lord
Jesus Christ, by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world.
Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your
love for sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and
death."
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Things Change, God
Does Not
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Thirty-Third Sunday
in Ordinary Time
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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."
Introductory
Prayer: Lord, I turn to
you today with faith, knowing that you are the Lord of life and history.
Aware of my weaknesses and failures, I set my hopes in you, for you always
fulfill your promises. As I contemplate your love that becomes fidelity, I,
too, desire to repay you with my fidelity. I am here before you to listen
and, in listening, discover your will for me today.
Petition: Lord, grant me the grace to set my heart on
what is eternal and everlasting.
1. Things Change: Like the people gazing at the physical
beauty of the Temple, we, too, can be mesmerized by the fleeting glitter of
the treasures of this world. Time, experience and our faith teach us that
things change, including relationships. Our relationships with one another
are never static; they are either being weaved more intimately, or they are
fraying or coming apart at the seams. This also holds true for our
relationship with Christ. All we do moves us deeper into his Sacred Heart or
moves us away from him.
2. Christ Is Always the Same: Christ is the most sacred of temples; he is
the Temple. Yet he changed. His body suffered the wounds that man inflicted
upon his body. Christ changed interiorly, too. He suffered loneliness of the
worst kind, when he experienced the effects of sin in the depths of his soul
– separation from the Father and separation from his closest friends, his
apostles. Yet in essence, Christ always remained the same, for he is love
itself, and love is everlasting. Christ suffered physical and interior changes
in his human nature so that we might partake of his divine nature, which is
the same yesterday, today and forever.
3. The Gift of Perseverance: In order for us to enjoy eternal life, we
must persevere. St. Paul talks about running the race, and moreover, about
winning the race. Christ teaches us about the final victory and that to
achieve this we must never deny him. Yet we are weak, and there are many ways
that we deny our Lord. How can we who are so weak run the race and win the
gift that lasts forever? Christ gives us the answer: Trust in him, not in
ourselves or in the things or ways of this world. We will persevere through
the grace he won for us on Calvary.
Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, your beauty transcends all
creation, even my holiest of thoughts. Please bless me with the gift to
appreciate more perfectly the limited beauty of created things and the
infinite and everlasting beauty of you, my Lord and my God.
Resolution: Today I will reflect on the beauty of God’s
creation and on the reality that all creation changes. As well, I will see
and respect the everlasting beauty that resides, or should reside, in the
hearts of all men, so that I will treat all people with the highest degree of
respect.
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THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, LUKE 21:5-19
(Malachi 3:19-20a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12)
KEY VERSE: "The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down" (v 6).
READING: Jesus told his disciples that the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem would one day be reduced to rubble. True to his word, it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The Temple was a sign of God's presence on earth, and Israel believed that the desecration of the Temple would herald the end of the age (Dn 9:24-27). Jesus warned his followers not to be misled by false messiahs, wars and natural disasters as proof that the time had come for his return. These events were just birth pangs of suffering that would occur in every age. Jesus' disciples must expect to share in his passion. While they would be persecuted by religious and political leaders and even members of their own families, they need not be concerned as to how they would defend themselves. They must trust in Jesus' divine presence as they faithfully witnessed to the gospel.
REFLECTING: Do I pray for all who are persecuted for their faith today?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, give me confidence when I face my adversaries.
The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
‘This will be your opportunity to bear witness.’Today’s readings speak of the end times. In the gospel Jesus warns his followers to be wary of losing faith or placing faith in false messiahs during times of crisis. With the reality of wars, talk of financial crisis and numerous prophets of doom in our own time, it can be tempting to think of faith as irrelevant in the face of such immense suffering. However, Jesus reminds us to hold fast when assailed by crisis and remember that he is the Lord who comes to rule the earth with justice. ‘Your endurance will win you your lives.’
November 17
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
(1207-1231)
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
(1207-1231)
In her short life Elizabeth manifested such great love for the
poor and suffering that she has become the patroness of Catholic charities and
of the Secular Franciscan Order. The daughter of the King of Hungary, Elizabeth
chose a life of penance and asceticism when a life of leisure and luxury could
easily have been hers. This choice endeared her in the hearts of the common
people throughout Europe.
At the
age of 14 Elizabeth was married to Louis of Thuringia (a German principality),
whom she deeply loved; she bore three children. Under the spiritual direction
of a Franciscan friar, she led a life of prayer, sacrifice and service to the
poor and sick. Seeking to become one with the poor, she wore simple clothing.
Daily she would take bread to hundreds of the poorest in the land, who came to
her gate.
After six
years of marriage, her husband died in the Crusades, and she was
grief-stricken. Her husband’s family looked upon her as squandering the royal
purse, and mistreated her, finally throwing her out of the palace. The return
of her husband’s allies from the Crusades resulted in her being reinstated,
since her son was legal heir to the throne.
In 1228
Elizabeth joined the Secular Franciscan Order, spending the remaining few years
of her life caring for the poor in a hospital which she founded in honor of St.
Francis. Elizabeth’s health declined, and she died before her 24th birthday in
1231. Her great popularity resulted in her canonization four years later.
Comment:
Elizabeth understood well the lesson Jesus taught when he washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper: The Christian must be one who serves the humblest needs of others, even if one serves from an exalted position. Of royal blood, Elizabeth could have lorded it over her subjects. Yet she served them with such a loving heart that her brief life won for her a special place in the hearts of many. Elizabeth is also an example to us in her following the guidance of a spiritual director. Growth in the spiritual life is a difficult process. We can play games very easily if we don't have someone to challenge us or to share experiences so as to help us avoid pitfalls.
Elizabeth understood well the lesson Jesus taught when he washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper: The Christian must be one who serves the humblest needs of others, even if one serves from an exalted position. Of royal blood, Elizabeth could have lorded it over her subjects. Yet she served them with such a loving heart that her brief life won for her a special place in the hearts of many. Elizabeth is also an example to us in her following the guidance of a spiritual director. Growth in the spiritual life is a difficult process. We can play games very easily if we don't have someone to challenge us or to share experiences so as to help us avoid pitfalls.
Quote:
"Today, there is an inescapable duty to make ourselves the neighbor of every individual, without exception, and to take positive steps to help a neighbor whom we encounter, whether that neighbor be an elderly person, abandoned by everyone, a foreign worker who suffers the injustice of being despised, a refugee, an illegitimate child wrongly suffering for a sin of which the child is innocent, or a starving human being who awakens our conscience by calling to mind the words of Christ: 'As long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it for me' (Matthew 25:40)" (Vatican II, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, 27, Austin Flannery translation).
"Today, there is an inescapable duty to make ourselves the neighbor of every individual, without exception, and to take positive steps to help a neighbor whom we encounter, whether that neighbor be an elderly person, abandoned by everyone, a foreign worker who suffers the injustice of being despised, a refugee, an illegitimate child wrongly suffering for a sin of which the child is innocent, or a starving human being who awakens our conscience by calling to mind the words of Christ: 'As long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it for me' (Matthew 25:40)" (Vatican II, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, 27, Austin Flannery translation).
Patron Saint of:
Bakers
Bakers
LECTIO: 33RD
SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (C)
Lectio:
Sunday, November 17, 2013
The discourse of Jesus on the end of time
Luke 21, 5-19
Luke 21, 5-19
1. Opening prayer
Lord, you who have made sky and earth and sea,
and everything in them; it is you who said through the Holy Spirit and speaking
through our ancestor David, your servant:
Why this uproar among the nations,
this impotent muttering of the peoples?
Kings of earth take up position,
princes plot together
against the Lord and his Anointed”.
... Stretch out your hand to heal and to work miracles and marvels through the name of your holy servant Jesus (Ac 4,24-25.30)”. Fill us with your Spirit as you gave it to the Apostles after this prayer, in the time of trial, so that we can also proclaim the Word openly and give witness as prophets of hope.
Why this uproar among the nations,
this impotent muttering of the peoples?
Kings of earth take up position,
princes plot together
against the Lord and his Anointed”.
... Stretch out your hand to heal and to work miracles and marvels through the name of your holy servant Jesus (Ac 4,24-25.30)”. Fill us with your Spirit as you gave it to the Apostles after this prayer, in the time of trial, so that we can also proclaim the Word openly and give witness as prophets of hope.
2. Lectio
a) The context:
The passage concerns the beginning of the
discourse of Jesus on the end of the world. The passage 21, 5-36 is a whole
literary unit. Jesus is in Jerusalem, in the entrance of the Temple, the
Passion is near. The Synoptic Gospels (also see Mt 24; Mk 13) have the so
called “eschatological” discourse precede the account of the Passion, Death and
Resurrection. These are events to be read in the light of the Passover. The
language is the “apocalyptic” one. Attention is not placed on each word, but on
the announcement of the total overturn. The community of Luke already knew
about the events concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. The Evangelist
universalizes the message and makes evident the intermediate time of the Church
waiting for the coming of the Lord in glory. Luke refers to the end of time
also in other parts (12. 35-48: 17, 20;18, 18).
b) A possible division of the text:
Luke 21, 5-7: introduction
Luke 21, 8-9: initial warning
Luke 21, 10-11: the signs
Luke 21, 12-17: the disciples put to the test
Luke 21, 18-19: protection and trust
Luke 21, 8-9: initial warning
Luke 21, 10-11: the signs
Luke 21, 12-17: the disciples put to the test
Luke 21, 18-19: protection and trust
c) The text:
5 When some were talking about the Temple,
remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, he said,
6 'All these things you are staring at now -- the time will come when not a
single stone will be left on another; everything will be destroyed.' 7 And they
put to him this question, 'Master,' they said, 'when will this happen, then,
and what sign will there be that it is about to take place?'
8 But he said, 'Take care not to be deceived, because many will come using my name and saying, "I am the one" and "The time is near at hand." Refuse to join them. 9 And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once.'
10 Then he said to them, 'Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven. 12 'But before all this happens, you will be seized and persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name 13 -and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Make up your minds not to prepare your defence, 15 because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. 17 You will be hated universally on account of my name, 18 but not a hair of your head will be lost. 19 Your perseverance will win you your lives.
8 But he said, 'Take care not to be deceived, because many will come using my name and saying, "I am the one" and "The time is near at hand." Refuse to join them. 9 And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once.'
10 Then he said to them, 'Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven. 12 'But before all this happens, you will be seized and persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name 13 -and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Make up your minds not to prepare your defence, 15 because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. 17 You will be hated universally on account of my name, 18 but not a hair of your head will be lost. 19 Your perseverance will win you your lives.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate and
enlighten our life.
4. A few questions
- Which sentiments prevail in me: anguish,
fear, trust, hope, doubt...
- Where is the Good News in this discourse?
- Do we love what we expect and do we conform ourselves to its demands?
- How do I react to trials in my life of faith?
- Can I make a connection with the present historical events?
- What place does Jesus have in history today?
- Where is the Good News in this discourse?
- Do we love what we expect and do we conform ourselves to its demands?
- How do I react to trials in my life of faith?
- Can I make a connection with the present historical events?
- What place does Jesus have in history today?
5. Meditatio
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a) A key for reading:
Let us not allow ourselves to be attracted by
the exterior upheavals, typical of the apocalyptic language, but by the
interior ones, which are necessary, which pre-announce and prepare the
encounter with the Lord. Even being aware that today also, in different parts
of the world “apocalyptic” situations are being lived, it is possible to make a
personalized reading, certainly not an evasive one which shifts the attention
to personal responsibility. Luke, regarding the other Evangelists, underlines
that the end has not come, that it is necessary to live the waiting with
commitment. Let us open our eyes on the tragedies of our time, not to be
prophets of misfortune, but courageous prophets of a new order based on justice
and peace.
b) Comment:
[5] “When some were talking about the Temple
remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings”, he
said: Probably Jesus was in the entrance of the Temple, considered the
reference to the votive offerings. Luke does not specify who are the listeners,
it is directed to all, he universalizes the eschatological discourse. This
discourse can refer to the end of time, but also to our personal end, the
proper time of life. In common there is the definitive encounter with the Risen
Lord.
[6] “All these things you are staring at now,
the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another; everything
will be destroyed”. Jesus introduces a language of misfortune (17, 22; 19,
43) and repeats the admonitions of the prophets concerning the Temple (Micah 3,12;
Jer 7, 1-15; 26, 1-19). It is also a consideration on the caducity of every
human realization, no matter how marvellous. The community of Luke already knew
about the destruction of Jerusalem (year 70). Let us consider our attitude
towards the things that end with time.
[7] They asked him: ‘Master, when will this
happen, then, and what sign will there be that it is about to take
place’?” the listeners are interested in the external upheavals which
characterize this event. Jesus does not respond to this specific question. The
“when” is not placed by Luke in relation with the destruction of Jerusalem. He
underlines that the end “will not be immediately” (verse 9) and “that before
all this...” (v. 12) others things will happen. He questions us on the relation
between the historical events and the fulfilment of the history of salvation.
The time of man and the time of God.
[8] He answered: “Take care not to be
deceived, because many will come using my name and saying: ‘I am the one’ and
‘the time is near at hand’. Refuse to join them”. In regard to the other
Evangelists, Luke adds the reference to time. The community of the first
Christians is overcoming the phase of the next coming of the Lord and
prepares itself for the intermediate time of the Church. Jesus recommends not
to allow themselves to be deceived or better, to be seduced by impostors. There
are two types of false prophets: those who pretend to come in the name of Jesus
saying “I am the one” and those who affirm that the time is near at hand, that
the day is already known (10, 11; l9, 11).
[9] “When you hear of wars and revolutions, do
not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end
will not come at once”. Even the war events, and today we would say, the
terrorist acts, are not the beginning of the end. All this happens but it is
not a sign of the end. (Dn 3, 28. Luke wants to warn them about the illusion of
the imminent end of time with the consequent disillusionment and abandonment of
faith.
[10] “Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
[11] There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven”. The words “and then he said” is a repetition of the discourse after the initial warnings. This is fully apocalyptic language which means revelation (Is 19,2; 2 Co 15, 6) and at the same time concealment. Traditional images are used to describe the rapid changes of history (Is 24,19-20; Zc 14,4-5; Ez 6.11-12, etc.). The imaginary catastrophic is like a curtain which hides the beauty of the scene which is behind: the coming of the Lord in glory. (v. 27).
[11] There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven”. The words “and then he said” is a repetition of the discourse after the initial warnings. This is fully apocalyptic language which means revelation (Is 19,2; 2 Co 15, 6) and at the same time concealment. Traditional images are used to describe the rapid changes of history (Is 24,19-20; Zc 14,4-5; Ez 6.11-12, etc.). The imaginary catastrophic is like a curtain which hides the beauty of the scene which is behind: the coming of the Lord in glory. (v. 27).
[12] “But before all this happens, you will be
seized and persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to
imprisonment, and brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name.”
[13] “and that will be your opportunity to
bear witness”. The Christian is called to conform himself to Christ. They
have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. Luke recalls the scene of
Paul before King Agrippa and Governor Festo (Ac 25, 23-26, 32). Behold the time
of trial. Not necessarily under the form of persecution. Saint Teresa of the
Child Jesus suffered during 18 months, the absence of God, when she discovered
her illness. A time of purification which prepares for the encounter. It is the
normal condition of the Christian, that of living in a healthy tension which is
not frustration. Christians are called to give witness of the hope which
animates them.
[14] “Make up your minds not to prepare your
defence;
[15] because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict”. the time has come to place our trust completely in God, God alone suffices. It is that same wisdom with which Stephen confused his enemies (Ac 6,10). The capacity to resist to persecution is guaranteed for the believer.
[15] because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict”. the time has come to place our trust completely in God, God alone suffices. It is that same wisdom with which Stephen confused his enemies (Ac 6,10). The capacity to resist to persecution is guaranteed for the believer.
[16] “You will be betrayed even by parents and
brothers, relations and friends, and some of you will be put to death”.
[17] “You will be hated universally on account of my name. The radical following of Christ implies also the overcoming of blood relations, those which affectively we believed to be more secure. There is the risk of remaining alone, like Jesus in his Passion.
[17] “You will be hated universally on account of my name. The radical following of Christ implies also the overcoming of blood relations, those which affectively we believed to be more secure. There is the risk of remaining alone, like Jesus in his Passion.
[18] “But not a hair of your head will be
lost”. Luke repeats the preceding verse (12,7) to remind us of the divine
protection which is assured at the moment of trial. For the believer is also
guaranteed the care of his physical integrity.
[19] “Your perseverance will win you your
lives.” Perseverance (cf. also Ac 11,23: 13, 43; 14, 22) is indispensable
in order to bear fruit (8, 15), in the daily trials and in persecutions. It
means the same as the “remain” in Christ of John. The final victory is certain:
the Kingdom of God will be established by the Son of man. Therefore, then, it
is necessary to be persevering, vigilant and in prayer (v. 36 and 12, 35-38).
The life-style of the Christian has to be a sign of the future which will come.
6. Oratio: Psalm 98
Sing a new song to the Lord
Acclaim Yahweh, all the earth,
burst into shouts of joy!
Play to Yahweh on the harp,
to the sound of instruments;
to the sound of trumpet and horn,
acclaim the presence of the King.
Let the sea thunder, and all that it holds,
the world and all who live in it.
Let the rivers clap their hands,
and the mountains shout for joy together,
at Yahweh's approach,
for he is coming to judge the earth;
he will judge the world with saving justice
and the nations with fairness.
burst into shouts of joy!
Play to Yahweh on the harp,
to the sound of instruments;
to the sound of trumpet and horn,
acclaim the presence of the King.
Let the sea thunder, and all that it holds,
the world and all who live in it.
Let the rivers clap their hands,
and the mountains shout for joy together,
at Yahweh's approach,
for he is coming to judge the earth;
he will judge the world with saving justice
and the nations with fairness.
7. Contemplatio
Good God, whose Kingdom is all love and peace,
you yourself create in our soul that silence that you need to communicate
yourself to it.
Peaceful acting, desiring without passion, zeal without agitation: all that can only come from You, Eternal Wisdom, Infinite activity, unalterable repose, principle and model of true peace.
You have promised us, by your prophets this peace, you have given it by Jesus Christ, you have given us the guarantee with the effusion of your Spirit.
Do not permit that the envy of the enemy, the anxiety of passions, the scruples of conscience make us lose this heavenly gift, which is the pledge of your love, the object of your promises, the reward of the Blood of your Son. Amen. (Teresa of Avila, 38, 9-10).
Peaceful acting, desiring without passion, zeal without agitation: all that can only come from You, Eternal Wisdom, Infinite activity, unalterable repose, principle and model of true peace.
You have promised us, by your prophets this peace, you have given it by Jesus Christ, you have given us the guarantee with the effusion of your Spirit.
Do not permit that the envy of the enemy, the anxiety of passions, the scruples of conscience make us lose this heavenly gift, which is the pledge of your love, the object of your promises, the reward of the Blood of your Son. Amen. (Teresa of Avila, 38, 9-10).
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