“Come; let us climb the Lord’s mountain.” (Isaiah 2:3)
At this moment, Mount Everest is surrounded by numerous base camps with hundreds of climbers in various stages of ascent. Many climbers are doing something that may strike us as unusual: They are ascending and descending different stages of the mountain. It’s their way of getting their bodies used to high altitudes, where the air is thinner. These climbers know that trying a direct ascent without training your body for life at the top would be folly.
As we begin Advent, Isaiah invites us to climb the mountain of the Lord. He invites us to begin a journey that will bring us closer to Jesus and closer to our hearts’ desires. But as in all mountain climbing, this is not a casual excursion. Preparation is key. Just as the Everest climbers take months to attain their goal, we have an entire season to get ready for Christmas. So let’s come up with a good strategy!
Just as a climber needs a healthy breakfast to provide energy for the day’s climb, so do we. That’s why it is a good idea to set aside time every morning to be nourished by prayer and Scripture. And just as experienced climbers travel light, so should we examine our consciences every day so that we can repent of our sins. That way, we can stay free from unnecessary burdens of the past.
Mountain climbers know the value of pacing themselves. They work stage by stage, not expecting to reach the summit overnight. Similarly, we should approach this Advent with a sense of patience. All it takes is a few steps each day to bring us closer to our goal, while an all-out sprint will leave us exhausted and frustrated.
Jesus knows how much we want to be with him, and he wants to help us every step along the way. So take some time today to draw up a plan this Advent. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you will make by Christmas!
“Lord, you know that I love you. Teach me how to make the most of this season of grace. Lord, I want to know you more!”
Reading 1 Isaiah 2:1-5
1 This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In days to come, the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; 3 many people’s shall come and say: “Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. 4 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Reading 2 Romans 13:11-14
11 Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; 12 the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
Gospel Matthew 24:37-44
37 Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. 39 They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 43 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. 44 So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44)
1. The whole Advent season is a time of expectant waiting for the “coming” (the meaning of the word advent) of the Savior. Jesus’ first coming has already occurred, of course, but we still await him to come into our hearts in a deeper way and we still await his second coming. What steps can you take to allow for a deeper encounter with Jesus at Mass, or during the week during Advent? In what way, if at all, do you look forward to his coming again? What are your thoughts about his second coming at the end of time?
2. The first reading says that one of the principle “instructions” we will receive from the Lord will be how to follow in his ways and “walk in his paths.” What can you do to allow the Lord to “instruct” you like this?
3. In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to “throw off the works of darkness.” Advent is a good time to examine our life and prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. How might you open more areas of your life to the “light” of Christ and allow him to heal those areas rather than keeping them closed?
4. The Gospel warns us to “stay awake” and speaks of the care and watchfulness, which should be ours as we await the coming of Jesus during this grace-filled season of Advent. What can you do to help prepare yourself and your family to receive Christ in a deeper way this Christmas?
5. The meditation ends with these words: “Jesus knows how much we want to be with him, and he wants to help us every step along the way. So take some time today to draw up a plan this Advent. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you will make by Christmas!” Are you willing to take time to draw up such a plan for yourself this Advent?
Enjoy the Good News and pass it on.
IHN tommyk
Lord, thank you for being so real to me and for revealing your wonderful love to us. There are people in our lives who don’t know you, some who even resist your call. Yet we know how much you love them and how much you want them to know your love. Lord, please put in our minds the names of people you would like us to reach with your love. And, Lord, with those names, we ask you to give us wisdom about how to “fertilize” their hearts so they may bear abundant fruit. Amen
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Saturday, November 27, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Reading’s for Sunday November 21, 2010
Come, follow this “failed” King
Our king was a failure. He pushed for a world that welcomed the weak, the powerless, and the outsider. So the powerful killed him. He gathered close followers who believed in him and his message. But most of them, including his best friend, abandoned him. He preached that nonviolence could defeat violence. And he suffered the most violent death imaginable.
Our King was a failure. What does that mean for us?
Let’s start by remembering our failures. Have your hopes ever been crushed? Have you ever been betrayed? Or ever suffered, for doing the right thing? Do you ever feel like a total screw up?
If so, then our King understands you. He’s been there, done that. You’ll never be alone in your pain. I’ll pledge loyalty to a King like that. Will you? Are you looking for a kingdom of forgiveness and hope, peace and justice; a kingdom where you need not be a success; a kingdom where you can always start over? If so, then call out to Jesus today. Ask for help to make the Kingdom of God real in your life. Forgive when others say get even. Reach out when others pull back. Dream about a better world. Let those dreams inspire you to a life of service even while others surrender to selfishness. The Kingdom is here now. You only need to enter. And our “failed” King will strengthen you when some mock and attack you. It can get tough building his Kingdom. But it’s worth the struggle. And never forget. Even though our King ‘failed” on Friday, He rose on Sunday.
Amen (from Gospel Connections for Teens)
Reading 1 2 Samuel 5:1-3
1 In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said: "Here we are, your bone and your flesh. 2 In days past, when Saul was our king, it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back. And the LORD said to you, 'You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.'" 3 When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD, and they anointed him king of Israel.
Reading 2 Colossians 1:12-20
12 Brothers and sisters: Let us give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. 13 He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
20 and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Gospel Luke 23:35-43
35 The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God." 36 Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine 37 they called out, "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." 38 Above him there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews." 39 Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us." 40 The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,"Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? 41 And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Discussion Questions:
1. Jesus issued the Good Thief a promise that he would be with Jesus this day in Paradise. How do you think that made the Good Thief feel? How do you think it made the other thief feel?
2. Imagine if our country’s government changed tomorrow, and we were ruled by a king. How would people react to that? Why? What makes Christ’s Kingdom different than any earthly kingdom? Why?
3. By looking at the way you live your life, who (or what) is the king of your life? How can you better let Christ be the King of your life?
4. What kind of daily sacrifices does the King of Kings call us to make?
Our king was a failure. He pushed for a world that welcomed the weak, the powerless, and the outsider. So the powerful killed him. He gathered close followers who believed in him and his message. But most of them, including his best friend, abandoned him. He preached that nonviolence could defeat violence. And he suffered the most violent death imaginable.
Our King was a failure. What does that mean for us?
Let’s start by remembering our failures. Have your hopes ever been crushed? Have you ever been betrayed? Or ever suffered, for doing the right thing? Do you ever feel like a total screw up?
If so, then our King understands you. He’s been there, done that. You’ll never be alone in your pain. I’ll pledge loyalty to a King like that. Will you? Are you looking for a kingdom of forgiveness and hope, peace and justice; a kingdom where you need not be a success; a kingdom where you can always start over? If so, then call out to Jesus today. Ask for help to make the Kingdom of God real in your life. Forgive when others say get even. Reach out when others pull back. Dream about a better world. Let those dreams inspire you to a life of service even while others surrender to selfishness. The Kingdom is here now. You only need to enter. And our “failed” King will strengthen you when some mock and attack you. It can get tough building his Kingdom. But it’s worth the struggle. And never forget. Even though our King ‘failed” on Friday, He rose on Sunday.
Amen (from Gospel Connections for Teens)
Reading 1 2 Samuel 5:1-3
1 In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said: "Here we are, your bone and your flesh. 2 In days past, when Saul was our king, it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back. And the LORD said to you, 'You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.'" 3 When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD, and they anointed him king of Israel.
Reading 2 Colossians 1:12-20
12 Brothers and sisters: Let us give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. 13 He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
20 and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Gospel Luke 23:35-43
35 The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God." 36 Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine 37 they called out, "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." 38 Above him there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews." 39 Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us." 40 The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,"Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? 41 And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Discussion Questions:
1. Jesus issued the Good Thief a promise that he would be with Jesus this day in Paradise. How do you think that made the Good Thief feel? How do you think it made the other thief feel?
2. Imagine if our country’s government changed tomorrow, and we were ruled by a king. How would people react to that? Why? What makes Christ’s Kingdom different than any earthly kingdom? Why?
3. By looking at the way you live your life, who (or what) is the king of your life? How can you better let Christ be the King of your life?
4. What kind of daily sacrifices does the King of Kings call us to make?
Friday, November 12, 2010
Readings for Sunday November 14, 2010
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21:19)
“We’ll never be perfect disciples. We’re human and face tough temptations. Wear these clothes – you’ll fit in. Drink this – you’ll have friends. Cheat – you need the grade. Laugh at them – don’t be a loser.”
We’re going to trip up.
The early Christians faced tough choices too. Luke included this passage (21:19) to warn his community about people who claimed Jesus had returned and “the end is near.” This gospel also reminds folks that Christ stands with us through temptation, persecution, and even failure.
It’s tough out there. But remember, Jesus says we secure our lives through perseverance as Christians. That means we need to keep trying. Over time we’ll see progress in our Christian living, and we’ll worry less about perfection.
Sunday’s Gospel reading tells us that Jesus’ second coming is not just a one-day event. Rather, it is the culmination of a seemingly ageless battle between light and darkness. This battle has been raging since the devil was first driven out of heaven, and Satan’s goal is to keep on fighting until everything in creation has been overwhelmed.
What the devil hasn’t counted on, however, is the surpassing per-severance of God. He remains ever the same, and his patience will not expire with a cataclysmic snap engulfing the world in darkness. No, he is ever kind, compassionate, and gentle toward his people. He will never abandon the world to the devil. And neither will he let us succeed in totally destroying one another. He is waiting patiently, “not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
When we ponder the Second Coming—as we do every year at this time—we have two choices. Either we can become frightened and over-whelmed, or we can recall the truths of the gospel. God is in control of everything. We are safe and secure in Christ. We know the One in whom we have believed—Jesus, who died out of love for us. He is able to guard us until he comes again. We can place our trust and hope in him.
Why are we fooled by appearances? Why are we lulled into complacency by the calm before the storm? (Remember September 10th?) Why are we tempted to give up when the world finally comes crashing down around our ears? Focused upon the end of the world, Jesus addressed these questions in Luke's gospel.
So in the midst of upheavals such as the ones Jesus described, hold on to hope. From beginning to end, he reassures us, “Do not be terrified” (Luke 21:9). “Not a hair on your head will be destroyed” (21:18). We don’t even have to worry about how to defend ourselves, for Jesus will give us the wisdom we need. In Christ, through faith and obedience, we will never be left alone. So lift up your heart to the Lord and entrust every-thing—all times, all seasons—into his loving care.
“Lord, I believe that you love and watch over me at all times. Strengthen my faith and my resolve to obey you, so that I may endure in patient hope until the day you come again.”
Reading 1 Malachi 3:19-20a
19 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. 20a But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.
Question: Have you ever called out to God for the bad times to end? What happened?
When will evil be taken from our eyes? When will our enemies taste justice? These questions are as old as humanity, yet as new as today's reports. This vexing can be summed up in one question. Lord, when will you come?
The prophet Malachi proclaimed his oracles when the world was undergoing change. In the fifth century B.C., the Persian Empire returned the Jews to their homeland from exile in Babylon. Yet, these benevolent rulers faced the rising menace from the Greeks to the west. At home, the excitement of the return had worn thin. Jewish leadership (especially in the Temple) had returned to its corrupt ways. The poor suffered at the hands of the rich. Lost in the stress of political instability and religious corruption was faith. In the face of this turmoil, God was forgotten.
The prophet wrote a simple message. God would return. In the coming day of judgement, the Lord would consume the evil like a flash fire of intense heat. But that same fire would sooth the faithful. [19-20a]
God's judgment is a two-edged sword. It condemns yet vindicates. His judgment will come, despite the seeming delay. But rest assured. It will come.
How do you look forward to the coming of the Lord?
Reading 2 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
7 Brothers and sisters: 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.
Question: Do you pray for wisdom when you contribute your time, energy, and money in charitable work? How has that prayer helped you?
In 2 Thessalonians, the author did address the limits of Christian charity. Charity was meant to help those in need, not the lazy in want. Those who can work should, those who cannot work should receive help.
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between those in need and those in want. Obviously, decisions when and where to give charity require wisdom. Let us pray for this virtue when we place limits on Christian charity.
Gospel Luke 21:5-19
5 While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus 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."
Question: How impressed are we with appearances? After all, media, Hollywood, and much of computer software are built on appearance. Sometimes, we Americans are swayed and even hood-winked by appearances. There was calm before the storm. Then, there was a panic with a world that failed us. Are we lulled by calm? Are we surprised by panic?
The challenge Jesus put before us is clear vision. Can we see beyond the crises of life and nation? Can our faith help us to withstand the challenges of these uncertain times? With God's help, we can.
Pray this week for the strength to see clearly. Look at the world at large, or at your world. Try to see beyond the troubles and look for God's will. Trust your prayer will be answered.
Something to think about!!
Are these the end times? Is the end of the world getting close? It seems so many of the Biblical prophecies about the end of the world are coming true….. what do you think?
Have you ever tried to make a prediction? Here are some predictions from the past. All from people who were trusted individuals:
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, in 1943 said, "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
Popular Mechanics magazine in 1949 made this prediction: "Where a calculator on the ENIAC is equipped with 18,000 vacuum tubes and weighs 30 tons, computers in the future may have only 1,000 vacuum tubes and weigh only 1.5 tons."
There was an inventor by the name of Lee DeForest. He claimed that "While theoretically and technically television may be feasible, commercially and financially it is an impossibility."
The Decca Recording Co. made a big mistake when they made this prediction: "We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out." That was their prediction in 1962 concerning a few lads form Liverpool. Their band was called the Beatles.
As the disciples walked out of the Temple in Jerusalem Jesus paused with his disciples, looked back at the Temple an predicted, "Do you see all these great buildings. Not one stone will be left on another." To the disciples this was bedrock. Nothing could bring down these walls. "Look, teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" they said to Jesus.
The smallest stones in the structure weighed 2 to 3 tons. Many of them weighed 50 tons. The largest existing stone is 12 meters in length and 3 meters high, and it weighed hundreds of tons! The stones were so immense that neither mortar nor any other binding material was used between the stones. Their stability was attained by the great weight of the stones. The walls towered over Jerusalem, over 400 feet in one area. Inside the four walls was 45 acres of bedrock mountain shaved flat and during Jesus' day a quarter of a million people could fit comfortably within the structure. No sports structure in America today comes close.
You can then understand the disciples surprise. As they walked down the Kidron valley and up mount olive Peter, James and John wanted to hear more.
Jesus' prediction that a structure so immense would be leveled to the ground seemed implausible. But they pressed Jesus for more information. They wanted to know when. What would be the sign that this was about to take place. In their voice was fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear that their lives were about to change forever. Jesus had not made any predictions like this one. This was different. This, they could understand.
Forty years later Jesus' prediction came true. In 70 AD the Temple was destroyed by Rome. What are we to learn from this prediction and its fulfillment?
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21:19)
“We’ll never be perfect disciples. We’re human and face tough temptations. Wear these clothes – you’ll fit in. Drink this – you’ll have friends. Cheat – you need the grade. Laugh at them – don’t be a loser.”
We’re going to trip up.
The early Christians faced tough choices too. Luke included this passage (21:19) to warn his community about people who claimed Jesus had returned and “the end is near.” This gospel also reminds folks that Christ stands with us through temptation, persecution, and even failure.
It’s tough out there. But remember, Jesus says we secure our lives through perseverance as Christians. That means we need to keep trying. Over time we’ll see progress in our Christian living, and we’ll worry less about perfection.
Sunday’s Gospel reading tells us that Jesus’ second coming is not just a one-day event. Rather, it is the culmination of a seemingly ageless battle between light and darkness. This battle has been raging since the devil was first driven out of heaven, and Satan’s goal is to keep on fighting until everything in creation has been overwhelmed.
What the devil hasn’t counted on, however, is the surpassing per-severance of God. He remains ever the same, and his patience will not expire with a cataclysmic snap engulfing the world in darkness. No, he is ever kind, compassionate, and gentle toward his people. He will never abandon the world to the devil. And neither will he let us succeed in totally destroying one another. He is waiting patiently, “not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
When we ponder the Second Coming—as we do every year at this time—we have two choices. Either we can become frightened and over-whelmed, or we can recall the truths of the gospel. God is in control of everything. We are safe and secure in Christ. We know the One in whom we have believed—Jesus, who died out of love for us. He is able to guard us until he comes again. We can place our trust and hope in him.
Why are we fooled by appearances? Why are we lulled into complacency by the calm before the storm? (Remember September 10th?) Why are we tempted to give up when the world finally comes crashing down around our ears? Focused upon the end of the world, Jesus addressed these questions in Luke's gospel.
So in the midst of upheavals such as the ones Jesus described, hold on to hope. From beginning to end, he reassures us, “Do not be terrified” (Luke 21:9). “Not a hair on your head will be destroyed” (21:18). We don’t even have to worry about how to defend ourselves, for Jesus will give us the wisdom we need. In Christ, through faith and obedience, we will never be left alone. So lift up your heart to the Lord and entrust every-thing—all times, all seasons—into his loving care.
“Lord, I believe that you love and watch over me at all times. Strengthen my faith and my resolve to obey you, so that I may endure in patient hope until the day you come again.”
Reading 1 Malachi 3:19-20a
19 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. 20a But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.
Question: Have you ever called out to God for the bad times to end? What happened?
When will evil be taken from our eyes? When will our enemies taste justice? These questions are as old as humanity, yet as new as today's reports. This vexing can be summed up in one question. Lord, when will you come?
The prophet Malachi proclaimed his oracles when the world was undergoing change. In the fifth century B.C., the Persian Empire returned the Jews to their homeland from exile in Babylon. Yet, these benevolent rulers faced the rising menace from the Greeks to the west. At home, the excitement of the return had worn thin. Jewish leadership (especially in the Temple) had returned to its corrupt ways. The poor suffered at the hands of the rich. Lost in the stress of political instability and religious corruption was faith. In the face of this turmoil, God was forgotten.
The prophet wrote a simple message. God would return. In the coming day of judgement, the Lord would consume the evil like a flash fire of intense heat. But that same fire would sooth the faithful. [19-20a]
God's judgment is a two-edged sword. It condemns yet vindicates. His judgment will come, despite the seeming delay. But rest assured. It will come.
How do you look forward to the coming of the Lord?
Reading 2 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
7 Brothers and sisters: 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.
Question: Do you pray for wisdom when you contribute your time, energy, and money in charitable work? How has that prayer helped you?
In 2 Thessalonians, the author did address the limits of Christian charity. Charity was meant to help those in need, not the lazy in want. Those who can work should, those who cannot work should receive help.
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between those in need and those in want. Obviously, decisions when and where to give charity require wisdom. Let us pray for this virtue when we place limits on Christian charity.
Gospel Luke 21:5-19
5 While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus 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."
Question: How impressed are we with appearances? After all, media, Hollywood, and much of computer software are built on appearance. Sometimes, we Americans are swayed and even hood-winked by appearances. There was calm before the storm. Then, there was a panic with a world that failed us. Are we lulled by calm? Are we surprised by panic?
The challenge Jesus put before us is clear vision. Can we see beyond the crises of life and nation? Can our faith help us to withstand the challenges of these uncertain times? With God's help, we can.
Pray this week for the strength to see clearly. Look at the world at large, or at your world. Try to see beyond the troubles and look for God's will. Trust your prayer will be answered.
Something to think about!!
Are these the end times? Is the end of the world getting close? It seems so many of the Biblical prophecies about the end of the world are coming true….. what do you think?
Have you ever tried to make a prediction? Here are some predictions from the past. All from people who were trusted individuals:
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, in 1943 said, "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
Popular Mechanics magazine in 1949 made this prediction: "Where a calculator on the ENIAC is equipped with 18,000 vacuum tubes and weighs 30 tons, computers in the future may have only 1,000 vacuum tubes and weigh only 1.5 tons."
There was an inventor by the name of Lee DeForest. He claimed that "While theoretically and technically television may be feasible, commercially and financially it is an impossibility."
The Decca Recording Co. made a big mistake when they made this prediction: "We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out." That was their prediction in 1962 concerning a few lads form Liverpool. Their band was called the Beatles.
As the disciples walked out of the Temple in Jerusalem Jesus paused with his disciples, looked back at the Temple an predicted, "Do you see all these great buildings. Not one stone will be left on another." To the disciples this was bedrock. Nothing could bring down these walls. "Look, teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" they said to Jesus.
The smallest stones in the structure weighed 2 to 3 tons. Many of them weighed 50 tons. The largest existing stone is 12 meters in length and 3 meters high, and it weighed hundreds of tons! The stones were so immense that neither mortar nor any other binding material was used between the stones. Their stability was attained by the great weight of the stones. The walls towered over Jerusalem, over 400 feet in one area. Inside the four walls was 45 acres of bedrock mountain shaved flat and during Jesus' day a quarter of a million people could fit comfortably within the structure. No sports structure in America today comes close.
You can then understand the disciples surprise. As they walked down the Kidron valley and up mount olive Peter, James and John wanted to hear more.
Jesus' prediction that a structure so immense would be leveled to the ground seemed implausible. But they pressed Jesus for more information. They wanted to know when. What would be the sign that this was about to take place. In their voice was fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear that their lives were about to change forever. Jesus had not made any predictions like this one. This was different. This, they could understand.
Forty years later Jesus' prediction came true. In 70 AD the Temple was destroyed by Rome. What are we to learn from this prediction and its fulfillment?
Readings for November 7, 2010 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Don’t close your mind to God
The Sadducees were members of a religious group whose beliefs differed from Jesus’ teachings. For instance they didn’t believe in the Resurrection or in Angels. But in this week’s Gospel. They didn’t listen to him and rethink their positions; instead, they made an argument that mocked His beliefs.
That’s too common in our society. People don’t listen to one another; instead, they attack or belittle one another. It’s an easy style to adopt. You don’t have to think if you can shout down or mock your opponent. But that’s how you miss God’s wisdom. This week’s Gospel reminds us that sometimes God challenges our positions on things like religion, school and family. That challenge will likely come through friends, pastors, teachers and family members. The Spirit calls us to keep our minds open, especially to people with whom we disagree.
• When you disagree with someone, avoid the temptation to close your mind or respond with sarcasm or personal attacks. Think. Ask God to help you consider opposing opinions closely.
• Don’t let pride get in the way. God calls us to full life, but we miss out—like the Sadducees did—when were not open to the spiritual and intellectual changes that life brings.
What makes it tough for you to keep your mind open when you disagree with someone?
Reading 1 2 Maccabees7:1-2, 9-14
1 It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law. 2 One of the brothers, speaking for the others, said: "What do you expect to achieve by questioning us? We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors." 9 At the point of death he said: "You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever. It is for his laws that we are dying."10 After him the third suffered their cruel sport. He put out his tongue at once when told to do so, and bravely held out his hands, 11 as he spoke these noble words: "It was from Heaven that I received these; for the sake of his laws I disdain them; from him I hope to receive them again." 12 Even the king and his attendants marveled at the young man's courage, because he regarded his sufferings as nothing. 13 After he had died, they tortured and maltreated the fourth brother in the same way. 14 When he was near death, he said, "It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him; but for you, there will be no resurrection to life."
Reading 2 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5
16 Brothers and sisters: May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. 3:1 Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people, for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you, you are doing and will continue to do. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.
Gospel Luke 20:27-38
27 Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, 28 saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. 30 Then the second 31 and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her." 34 Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry and remarry; 35 but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and theyare the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. 37 That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called out 'Lord, ' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; 38 and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
Discussion Questions
1. Paint the scene in this Gospel: What kind of a threat do you think Jesus posed to the Sadducees? Why do you think they wanted to trip Him up? What kind of an answer do you think they thought they'd get from Him?
2. What is your biggest question about what heaven will be like? Complete the following statement: Heaven would be really cool if it had __________.
3. Pretend for a minute that you are a defense attorney: How would you defend the teaching of the bodily resurrection to a non-believer?
Everyone thought Jen’s mom was the nicest person in the world. She would always take the time to talk, to help neighbors with problems and projects, to entertain all the children on the block.
“Want anything to eat?” Jen’s mom would ask her friends, as she held out a plate of cookies.
“Thanks!” Jen’s friends said as they wolfed down the treats.
“Your mom’s the best,” one neighbor remarked.
“Yeah,” another agreed, “we like to come to your house, Jen.”
“Have you ever noticed there is someone always visiting?” a third added.
One day, Jen’s mom got sick. She had to be rushed to the hospital and have an operation. That was a dark week in the neighborhood because everyone felt the loss of Jen’s mom. “She gave so much love,” someone said. “It was like she lived for other people,” another person said.
The people on Jen’s block decided to help her family. It was their way to say “thank you” and return the love they had received. When Jen’s mom returned home from the hospital, she was overwhelmed with the flowers and cards and goodies and meals. The house was totally cleaned inside; outside the lawn was trimmed and the fence was painted. This was all done by neighbors who cared.
When people do nice things for us, they share a little of their life with us. When people love us they share life with us. We have a God like Jen’s mom; he loves us so much, he lives for us. And he wants us to live for him so much that we will never die. He gave his word to us on that.
Closing Question: God loves us so much, he gives us his life. How can we share that life with others?
Don’t close your mind to God
The Sadducees were members of a religious group whose beliefs differed from Jesus’ teachings. For instance they didn’t believe in the Resurrection or in Angels. But in this week’s Gospel. They didn’t listen to him and rethink their positions; instead, they made an argument that mocked His beliefs.
That’s too common in our society. People don’t listen to one another; instead, they attack or belittle one another. It’s an easy style to adopt. You don’t have to think if you can shout down or mock your opponent. But that’s how you miss God’s wisdom. This week’s Gospel reminds us that sometimes God challenges our positions on things like religion, school and family. That challenge will likely come through friends, pastors, teachers and family members. The Spirit calls us to keep our minds open, especially to people with whom we disagree.
• When you disagree with someone, avoid the temptation to close your mind or respond with sarcasm or personal attacks. Think. Ask God to help you consider opposing opinions closely.
• Don’t let pride get in the way. God calls us to full life, but we miss out—like the Sadducees did—when were not open to the spiritual and intellectual changes that life brings.
What makes it tough for you to keep your mind open when you disagree with someone?
Reading 1 2 Maccabees7:1-2, 9-14
1 It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law. 2 One of the brothers, speaking for the others, said: "What do you expect to achieve by questioning us? We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors." 9 At the point of death he said: "You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever. It is for his laws that we are dying."10 After him the third suffered their cruel sport. He put out his tongue at once when told to do so, and bravely held out his hands, 11 as he spoke these noble words: "It was from Heaven that I received these; for the sake of his laws I disdain them; from him I hope to receive them again." 12 Even the king and his attendants marveled at the young man's courage, because he regarded his sufferings as nothing. 13 After he had died, they tortured and maltreated the fourth brother in the same way. 14 When he was near death, he said, "It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him; but for you, there will be no resurrection to life."
Reading 2 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5
16 Brothers and sisters: May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. 3:1 Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people, for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you, you are doing and will continue to do. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.
Gospel Luke 20:27-38
27 Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, 28 saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. 30 Then the second 31 and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her." 34 Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry and remarry; 35 but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and theyare the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. 37 That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called out 'Lord, ' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; 38 and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
Discussion Questions
1. Paint the scene in this Gospel: What kind of a threat do you think Jesus posed to the Sadducees? Why do you think they wanted to trip Him up? What kind of an answer do you think they thought they'd get from Him?
2. What is your biggest question about what heaven will be like? Complete the following statement: Heaven would be really cool if it had __________.
3. Pretend for a minute that you are a defense attorney: How would you defend the teaching of the bodily resurrection to a non-believer?
Everyone thought Jen’s mom was the nicest person in the world. She would always take the time to talk, to help neighbors with problems and projects, to entertain all the children on the block.
“Want anything to eat?” Jen’s mom would ask her friends, as she held out a plate of cookies.
“Thanks!” Jen’s friends said as they wolfed down the treats.
“Your mom’s the best,” one neighbor remarked.
“Yeah,” another agreed, “we like to come to your house, Jen.”
“Have you ever noticed there is someone always visiting?” a third added.
One day, Jen’s mom got sick. She had to be rushed to the hospital and have an operation. That was a dark week in the neighborhood because everyone felt the loss of Jen’s mom. “She gave so much love,” someone said. “It was like she lived for other people,” another person said.
The people on Jen’s block decided to help her family. It was their way to say “thank you” and return the love they had received. When Jen’s mom returned home from the hospital, she was overwhelmed with the flowers and cards and goodies and meals. The house was totally cleaned inside; outside the lawn was trimmed and the fence was painted. This was all done by neighbors who cared.
When people do nice things for us, they share a little of their life with us. When people love us they share life with us. We have a God like Jen’s mom; he loves us so much, he lives for us. And he wants us to live for him so much that we will never die. He gave his word to us on that.
Closing Question: God loves us so much, he gives us his life. How can we share that life with others?
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