01-DEC-'24, First Sunday of Advent

First Sunday of Advent

Lectionary: 3

Reading I

Jermiah 33:14-16

The days are coming, says the LORD, 

    when I will fulfill the promise 

    I made to the house of Israel and Judah.

In those days, in that time, 

    I will raise up for David a just shoot ; 

    he shall do what is right and just in the land.

In those days Judah shall be safe 

    and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; 

    this is what they shall call her: 

    “The LORD our justice.”

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

R. (1b)  To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;

   teach me your paths,

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

   for you are God my savior,

   and for you I wait all the day. 

R. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Good and upright is the LORD;

   thus he shows sinners the way.

He guides the humble to justice,

   and teaches the humble his way. 

R. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy

   toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,

   and his covenant, for their instruction. 

R. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Reading II

1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2

Brothers and sisters:

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love

for one another and for all,

just as we have for you, 

so as to strengthen your hearts, 

to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father 

at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.  Amen.

Finally, brothers and sisters, 

we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that,

as you received from us 

how you should conduct yourselves to please God

and as you are conducting yourselves

you do so even more.

For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Alleluia

Psalm 85:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Show us, Lord, your love;

and grant us your salvation.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus said to his disciples:

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, 

and on earth nations will be in dismay, 

perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.

People will die of fright 

in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, 

for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

And then they will see the Son of Man 

coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

But when these signs begin to happen, 

stand erect and raise your heads 

because your redemption is at hand.

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy 

from carousing and drunkenness 

and the anxieties of daily life, 

and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.

For that day will assault everyone

who lives on the face of the earth.

Be vigilant at all times 

and pray that you have the strength 

to escape the tribulations that are imminent 

and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Reflection 1

Catholic Daily Reflections 

Supernatural Instinct

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.  For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34–36

“That day.” These two words are spoken twice in the passage above. To which day is our Lord referring? Clearly, He is referring primarily to the day of our final judgment and is warning us to make sure we are prepared for it in case it were to come at an unexpected moment. So how do we prepare?

Animals have the natural gift of instinct. They know how to survive, how to reproduce, how to gather food and how to avoid danger. They know this because God has implanted this knowledge within them. By this natural gift of instinct, they know what to do and what to avoid.

We, as humans, also have basic natural instincts. But our natural instincts are only sufficient to help us accomplish that which the animals accomplish. Therefore, if we are to gain an even greater knowledge and are to know how to properly prepare ourselves spiritually for the sudden and unexpected coming of Christ, then we need more.

The way we most properly prepare is through a special grace by which God reveals Himself and His will to our human reason. When that happens, we will know the best way to be fully prepared for “that day” the moment it comes. Perhaps one of the best ways to describe this ability is by describing it as a “supernatural instinct.” When our natural instincts become open to grace, and when the information on which we base our daily decisions in life comes to us by an ongoing and personal revelation from God through the infused gift of faith, then we will find that we simply know what to do and what to avoid. By analogy, just as a bird knows to fly south for the winter or a salmon knows to return to its place of birth to lay its eggs, so we will “know” within our spirit how to best serve the will of God and, thus, be most fully prepared for His imminent return. “Supernatural instinct” is nothing other than us allowing the grace of God to enter our lives so as to take control of everything we do and to lead us into the fulfillment of the perfect and glorious will of God. When that happens, we can be certain that we are perpetually prepared for all that comes and will never be caught by surprise like a trap.

Reflect, today, upon whether you are daily led by the knowledge of God’s will alive within you as a supernatural instinct. If this language seems foreign to you, then perhaps it is a time to ponder the question “Why?” Why aren’t you led by God’s grace through an ongoing gift of supernatural knowledge of His will? And if this language does resonate within you, then spend time pondering this gift and being grateful for the way that God has truly taken over your day-to-day life.

Reflection 2

One Bread, One Body 

happy new year?

“Men will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory.” —Luke 21:27

Happy New Year! Today is the first day of Advent and of the Church year. The Church’s new year not only begins earlier than that of the world, but is also ushered in differently. The world’s new year is inaugurated with New Year’s Eve parties, much drinking, and self-indulgence. The Church begins its new year with the warning: “Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares” (Lk 21:34).

Another difference between our new year and the world’s is that our new year actually is new. The only new thing about the world’s so-called new year is new numbers on a calendar. The world’s new year is nothing but a rerun of a rerun — just more selfishness, escapism, compulsive behavior, confusion, and sin (see Eccl 1:9-10). Conversely, the Church’s new year is truly new. It is centered as always on Jesus and begins with His Christmas coming (Rv 21:5-6). Moreover, Jesus is infinite; with Him we always have more, always something new (2 Cor 5:17). When Jesus comes into our hearts during Christmas, we will experience His love in a new way.

One other difference between the Church’s new year and the world’s is that ours really is happy because it is Christ-centered. Happy new year!

Prayer:  Lord, increase us and make us “overflow with love for one another and for all” (1 Thes 3:12). Strengthen our “hearts, making them blameless and holy before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones” (1 Thes 3:13).

Promise:  “The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made.” —Jer 33:14

Praise:  “O come, O come, Emmanuel! And ransom captive Israel!” Come, Jesus, Prince of Peace!

Reflection 3

Shared from Daily Liturgy

Hope gives meaning to life and makes us wait for tomorrow. The result or reward is always connected with the past. Some persons are honoured with awards and some others are punished for their misdeeds. The three readings of today remind us of how our life and its reward are correlated. When Paul heard about the good life of the Church in Thessalonica, he expressed his overflowing joy and rewards them with blessings. In the Gospel we see that the Son of Man will come to reward His people. Those who have accomplished the target will rejoice and others regret for chasing after butterflies and not focusing on their aims. Advent is the given time to become alert and seek strength from the Lord that we may stand before Him confidently to accept the reward that awaits us. Let us be ready to stand before the Son of Man. 

 

Prayers

My revealing Lord, I pray that I will always know Your will and be led only by Your gentle but unmistakable promptings of grace. Please lead me, dear Lord, so that I will be perpetually prepared for Your glorious and final coming the moment it arrives.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Lord Jesus, may I never lose sight of the signs of your presence in my life and the signs of your action in the world today. Free me from spiritual dullness, indifference, and every distraction that would keep me from you. May I never tire of listening to your word, seeking you in prayer, and longing for your return in glory.

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

Reflection 335: Forever Forgiving 

One of the hardest things to do in life is to pray for those who persecute you and to treat them with the utmost respect and compassion.  But what benefit is there in hating them or lashing out at them?  Doing this “harm” to them is far more damaging to your own soul than to theirs.  Forgive, forgive, and forgive again.  In fact, forgiving another is a form of God’s justice in that it reveals that another is in need of forgiveness and dispels the vicious power of their malice in your life.  Forgive them, pray for them and entrust them to the Mercy of God.  By doing this you will have great peace in your soul (See Diary #1628).

Is there anyone in life that you hate?  Or anyone that you are at least tempted to have much anger toward?  If so, reflect upon this person today and make the conscious choice to forgive them.  Though your feelings may not immediately follow this choice, you will begin to find peace in this decision.  Forgive them over and over as long as anger remains and the Lord will prune that vice from your life replacing it with His joy.

Lord, in Your great Mercy You have forgiven me for my sins.  I am unworthy of such a gift but I thank You for it.  Help me to show the same depth of mercy and compassion to others, especially those who have hurt me.  I forgive them, dear Lord.  I forgive them a thousand times and more.  Jesus, I trust in You.

30-NOV-'24, Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

Lectionary: 684

Reading I

Romans 10:9-18

Brothers and sisters:

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord

and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,

you will be saved.

For one believes with the heart and so is justified,

and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.

The Scripture says,

No one who believes in him will be put to shame.

There is no distinction between Jew and Greek;

the same Lord is Lord of all,

enriching all who call upon him.

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed?

And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?

And how can they hear without someone to preach?

And how can people preach unless they are sent?

As it is written,

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!

But not everyone has heeded the good news;

for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us?

Thus faith comes from what is heard,

and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

But I ask, did they not hear?

Certainly they did; for

    Their voice has gone forth to all the earth,

        and their words to the ends of the world.

Responsorial Psalm

19:8, 9, 10, 11

R.    (10)  The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

or:

R.    (John 6:63)  Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The law of the LORD is perfect,

    refreshing the soul;

The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,

    giving wisdom to the simple.

R.    The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

or:

R.    Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The precepts of the LORD are right,

    rejoicing the heart;

The command of the LORD is clear,

    enlightening the eye.

R.    The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

or:

R.    Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

    enduring forever;

The ordinances of the LORD are true,

    all of them just.

R.    The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

or:

R.    Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

They are more precious than gold,

    than a heap of purest gold;

Sweeter also than syrup

    or honey from the comb.

R.    The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

or:

R.    Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Alleluia

Matthew 4:19

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Come after me, says the Lord,

and I will make you fishers of men.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 4:18-22

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,

Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,

casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.

He said to them,

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

At once they left their nets and followed him.

He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,

James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.

He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father 

and followed him.

Reflection 1

Catholic Daily Reflections

The Eyes of Our Lord

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Matthew 4:18–19

Today, we honor one of the Apostles: Saint Andrew. Andrew and his brother Peter were fishermen who would soon take on a new form of fishing.  They would soon become “fishers of men,” as Jesus said. But prior to being sent on this mission by our Lord, they had to become His followers. And this happened as our Lord was first the fisher of these men.

Notice that in this Gospel, Jesus was simply walking by and “saw” these two brothers working hard at their occupation. First, Jesus “saw” them, and then He called them. This gaze of our Lord is worth pondering.

Imagine the profound truth that our Lord is continually gazing at you with divine love, looking for the moment that you turn your attention to Him. His gaze is perpetual and deep. His gaze is one that yearns for you to follow Him, to abandon all else so as to hear His gentle invitation not only to follow Him, but to then go forth and invite others on the journey of faith.

As we begin this Advent season, we must allow the call of Andrew and Peter to also become our own calling. We must allow ourselves to notice Jesus as He looks at us, sees who we are, is aware of everything about us, and then speaks a word of invitation. He says to you, “Come after me…”  This is an invitation that must permeate every aspect of your life. To “come after” Jesus is to leave all else behind and to make the act of following our Lord the single purpose of your life.

Sadly, many people pay little attention to this calling in their lives. Few people hear Him speak and fewer respond, and even fewer respond with complete abandonment of their lives. The beginning of Advent is an opportunity to evaluate your responsiveness to the call of our Lord once again.

Reflect, today, upon Jesus speaking these words to you. First, ponder the question of whether you have said “Yes” to Him with all the powers of your soul. Second, reflect upon those whom our Lord wants you to invite on the journey. To whom is Jesus sending you to invite? Who, in your life, is open to His call? Who does Jesus want to draw to Himself through you? Imitate these Apostles as they said “Yes” to our Lord, even though they did not immediately understand all that this would entail. Say “Yes” today and be ready and willing to do whatever comes next on this glorious journey of faith.

Reflection 2

By Prof. Dr. Mons. Lluís CLAVELL

(Roma, Italy)

"I will make you fishers of men."

Today, is St. Andrew's Day, apostle, a festivity celebrated in a solemn way amongst Eastern Orthodox Christians. He was one of the two young men that met Jesus by the river Jordan and had a long conversation with Him. He first found his own brother Simon, and told him “We have found the Messiah” and he brought him to Jesus (cf. Jn 1:41-42). Shortly afterwards, Jesus called these two fishermen brothers, as we read in today's Gospel: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4:19). In the same village there were two other brothers, James and John, friends and chums of the first ones, and fishermen like them. And Jesus also invited them to follow Him. It is nice to see how they leave everything and follow Him “at once”, a word that is repeated in both cases. We cannot tell Jesus: “afterwards”, “later on”, “I'm busy now”...

To each one of us —to all Christians— Jesus is also asking every day to place at His service whatever we are and whatever we have —that means to leave everything, not to have anything of our own— so that, while Jesus is accompanying us in our professional and familial obligations, we may become “fishermen for people”. What does it mean to be “fishermen for people”? A nice answer might be a commentary by St. John Chrysostom. This Father and Doctor of the Church says that Andrew did not know how to explain to his brother Peter who Jesus was and, consequently, he “brought him to the very source of light”, that is, Jesus Christ. “To fish men” means to help all those around us, in our family and in our work, to find Christ who is the only light for our route.

Reflection 3

By Fr. Martin Hogan

Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter. They both earned their living by fishing on the Sea of Galilee. According to this morning’s gospel reading, they were the first whom Jesus called to become his followers and they were the first to respond to his calling, leaving their fishing business to go where Jesus went. When the Matthew, Mark and Luke list the names of the twelve, Simon Peter is always mentioned first and Andrew second, suggesting that Peter was the more significant of the two within the circle of Jesus. Indeed, Peter was clearly the leader of the twelve, the disciple whom Jesus called to be rock on which he would build his church, the shepherd to whom he entrusted the care of his flock. Yet, according to John’s gospel, Andrew was the first to spend time with Jesus and to recognize him as the Messiah, and it was Andrew who subsequently brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. ‘He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah”’ (John 1:41). According to this gospel, Peter may have gone on to have a more prominent role in Jesus’ circle than Andrew, but it was Andrew who created the opening for Peter to meet with Jesus initially. The ministry of opening a door to the Lord for others is a very significant one. We can all enter into that task of creating a space for others to encounter the Lord. Whenever we take on this ‘Andrew role’ for others, it can have consequences for good beyond our imagining.

Prayers

My dear Lord, I do say “Yes” to You this day. I hear You calling me, and I choose to respond with the utmost generosity and abandonment to Your holy and perfect will. Give me the courage and wisdom I need to hold nothing back from You and Your divine calling in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.

Lord Jesus, you have called me personally by name, just as you called your first disciples, Simon, Andrew, and James. Fill me with the joy of your gospel and help me to be a good and faithful witness of your kingdom to all I meet.

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

Reflection 334: Serving Souls

One of the greatest blessings we have been given is the ability to serve others.  We serve them in many ways, especially in accord with our particular vocation.  But the greatest service we could ever render a person is to be a minister of the Mercy of God, leading them to the glories of Heaven.  Imagine what Heaven will be like knowing that you have inspired countless souls to grow in their love of God.  See this as one of your greatest blessings and privileges in life (See Diary #1622).

How eager are you to offer the truth, love and compassion of our God to others?  Do you see the great honor this is and the great dignity it bestows?  Never doubt how important it is to make this among the greatest priorities in life.  Loving God with all your being comes first, but serving others and helping them on the road to salvation is right behind this.  Commit yourself to this glorious act of Mercy today and you will be grateful for eternity that you did.

Lord, give me the desire and will to serve others with my whole heart.  Help me to love them and to bring Your Mercy and compassion into their lives.  May many souls be won for You, dear Lord, on account of the grace that You send them through my life.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Immaculate Conception

Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Immaculate Conception

Traditionally prayed from November 29 – December 7

Introductory prayer for all nine days of the novena:

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through her intercession, to come unto You. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

Reflection for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Day One

O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.

(State your personal intention here.)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

Day Two

O Mary, ever Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Queen of Angels and of Saints, we salute you with the most profound veneration and filial devotion as we contemplate your holy Immaculate Conception. We thank you for your maternal protection and for the many blessings that we have received through your wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession. In all our necessities, we have recourse to you with unbounded confidence. O Mother of Mercy, we beseech you now to hear our prayer and to obtain for us of your Divine Son the favor that we so earnestly request in this novena.

(State your personal intention here.)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

Day Three

O Blessed Virgin Mary, glory of the Christian people, joy of the universal Church and Mother of our Lord, speak for us to the Heart of Jesus, who is your Son and our Brother. O Mary, who by your holy Immaculate Conception did enter the world free from stain, in your mercy obtain for us from Jesus the special favor which we now so earnestly seek.

(State your personal intention here.)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

Day Four

O Mary, Mother of God, endowed in your glorious Immaculate Conception with the fullness of grace; unique among women in that you are both mother and virgin; Mother of Christ and Virgin of Christ, we ask you to look down with a tender heart from your throne and listen to our prayers as we earnestly ask that you obtain for us the favor for which we now plead.

(State your personal intention here.)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

Day Five

O Lord, who, by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, did prepare a fitting dwelling for Your Son, we beseech You that as by the foreseen death of Your Son, You did preserve her from all stain of sin, grant that through her intercession, we may be favored with the granting of the grace that we seek at this time.

(State your personal intention here.)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

Day Six

Glorious and immortal Queen of Heaven, we profess our firm belief in your Immaculate Conception preordained for you in the merits of your Divine Son. We rejoice with you in your Immaculate Conception. To the one ever-reigning God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three in Person, one in nature, we offer thanks for your blessed Immaculate Conception. O Mother of the Word made Flesh, listen to our petition as we ask this special grace during this novena.

(State your personal intention here.)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

Day Seven

O Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and my mother, from the sublime heights of your dignity, turn your merciful eyes upon me while I, full of confidence in your bounty and keeping in mind your Immaculate Conception and fully conscious of your power, beg of you to come to our aid and ask your Divine Son to grant the favor we earnestly seek in this novena, if it be beneficial for our immortal souls and the souls for whom we pray.

(State your personal intention here.)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

Day Eight

O Most gracious Virgin Mary, beloved Mother of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, intercede with Him for us that we be granted the favor which we petition for so earnestly in this novena. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. O Glorious Mother of God, in memory of your joyous Immaculate Conception, hear our prayers and obtain for us our petitions.

(State your personal intention here.)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

Day Nine

O Mother of the King of the Universe, most perfect member of the human race, “our tainted nature’s solitary boast,” we turn to you as mother, advocate, and mediator. O Holy Mary, assist us in our present necessity. By your Immaculate Conception, O Mary conceived without sin, we humbly beseech you from the bottom of our heart to intercede for us with your Divine Son and ask that we be granted the favor for which we now plead.

(State your personal intention here.)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

29-NOV-'24, Fri of the 34th Wk in OT

Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 507

Reading 1

Revelation 20:1-4, 11—21:2

I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven,

holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a heavy chain.

He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent,

which is the Devil or Satan,

and tied it up for a thousand years and threw it into the abyss,

which he locked over it and sealed,

so that it could no longer lead the nations astray

until the thousand years are completed.

After this, it is to be released for a short time.

Then I saw thrones; those who sat on them were entrusted with judgment.

I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded

for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God,

and who had not worshiped the beast or its image

nor had accepted its mark on their foreheads or hands.

They came to life and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Next I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it.

The earth and the sky fled from his presence

and there was no place for them.

I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne,

and scrolls were opened.

Then another scroll was opened, the book of life.

The dead were judged according to their deeds,

by what was written in the scrolls.

The sea gave up its dead;

then Death and Hades gave up their dead.

All the dead were judged according to their deeds.

Then Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire.

(This pool of fire is the second death.)

Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life

was thrown into the pool of fire.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.

The former heaven and the former earth had passed away,

and the sea was no more.

I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem,

coming down out of heaven from God,

prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6A AND 8A

R. (Rev. 21:3b) Here God lives among his people.

My soul yearns and pines 

for the courts of the LORD.

My heart and my flesh

cry out for the living God.

R. Here God lives among his people.

Even the sparrow finds a home,

and the swallow a nest

in which she puts her young–

Your altars, O LORD of hosts,

my king and my God!

R. Here God lives among his people.

Blessed they who dwell in your house!

continually they praise you.

Blessed the men whose strength you are!

They go from strength to strength.

R. Here God lives among his people.

Alleluia

Luke 21:28

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Stand erect and raise your heads

because your redemption is at hand.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 21:29-33

Jesus told his disciples a parable.

“Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.

When their buds burst open,

you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;

in the same way, when you see these things happening,

know that the Kingdom of God is near.

Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away

until all these things have taken place.

Heaven and earth will pass away, 

but my words will not pass away.”

Reflection 1

Catholic Daily Reflections 

Relying Upon the Word of God

“Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Luke 21:32–33

As we approach the final days of this liturgical year, we continue to read about the end of the world. Today we read that both Heaven and earth, as they currently are, will pass away. This is worth pondering.

We know that life is full of change. It has been said that the one thing that never changes is change itself. Everything else changes. But when it comes to earth, it is hard to believe that it will one day “pass away.” Some scientists believe that the earth has existed for over four and a half billion years. That’s a long time! Now consider the fact that Jesus prophesied the end of this earth as we know it today. When will it happen? Only God knows.

Heaven, as it exists today, is also prophesied by our Lord to pass away. Heaven, as it is right now, is a pure spiritual reality in which the only corporeal bodies present are those of Jesus and our Blessed Mother. The rest of Heaven consists of the Divine Essence, the souls of those who have been redeemed and the angels of God. But if Heaven even passes away, what awaits?

First of all, the only reason that these two realities, Heaven and earth, will pass away in their current form is because, at the Final Judgment, there will be a “New Heavens and a New Earth,” as spoken of in the Book of Revelation. At that time, Heaven and earth will be united as one, and this new creation will exist for eternity.

But is there anything that is currently eternal? Anything that will never experience change? We humans will be changed at the resurrection of the dead, the angels will encounter a new home, so to speak, and God will establish a new and permanent Kingship. But, according to Jesus’ teaching today, the one thing that will remain are His words: “…my words will not pass away.” Again, this is worth pondering.

In a world filled with change and uncertainty, we need some form of stability. And that stability is the Truth found in the Word of God. The Word of God, as revealed to us through the Scriptures, must become our rock foundation upon which our whole lives are built and exist. Pondering, praying with, meditating on, and believing the Word of God enables us to stand on firm and unchanging spiritual ground as we go through the change of this life and even the changes that will come at the end of time. Though this may seem somewhat mysterious in nature, it is a helpful truth to understand and believe. Everything will pass away except Jesus’ words. Thus, the most secure thing we can do in life is to cling to His words and never let go.

Reflect, today, upon the importance of truly immersing yourself in the Word of God. How much time do you spend each week reading it, praying with it and allowing it to become your daily food? The Word of God is not simply a book of teachings meant to inspire you or guide you. The Word of God is a Living Word. It is God in His unchangeable form. God, in His essence, will never change, and engaging Him through the revelation of His written Word is one essential way by which you will be able to experience true stability in life and prepare for each and every change to come until the final order of life is permanently established.

Reflection 2

One Bread, One Body 

BY THE BOOK

“The book of the living was opened. The dead were judged according to their conduct as recorded on the scrolls.” —Revelation 20:12

At the Last Judgment, the Lord is seated on “a large white throne” (Rv 20:11). You are standing before His throne as He opens “the book of the living” (Rv 20:12). You hope the Lord will find your name in this book, for “anyone whose name was not found inscribed in the book of the living was hurled into [the] pool of fire” (Rv 20:15).

As you wait, you remember what the Lord told Moses: “Him only who has sinned against Me will I strike out of My book” (Ex 32:33). You know all your actions are written down in this book (Ps 139:16), and you remember the many times you have sinned. You begin to fear for your eternal soul.

The record of your conduct is now being read from the book. You stand amazed as God recounts all the tears you have shed (Ps 56:9). An entry in the book states that you have trusted and feared Him (Mal 3:16). However, none of your sins have been read to the heavenly assembly. Jesus shows you the pages containing your deeds, and there are many gaps in the written record of your life. He says: “Each time you repented, I cast your sins into the depths of the sea” (see Mi 7:19; Jer 31:34; Ps 51:11; 103:12). Then Jesus says: “Come, share your Master’s joy!” (Mt 25:21)

If you repent (Rv 3:3) and live a life worthy of your calling (Eph 4:1; Rv 3:4), Jesus promises: “I will never erase [your] name from the book of the living, but will acknowledge [you] in the presence of My Father and His angels” (Rv 3:5).

Prayer:  Jesus, my Savior, help me to repent of every sin, forgive all who have hurt me, and lead others to receive Your mercy.

Promise:  “Know that the reign of God is near.” —Lk 21:31

Praise:  When the Bible became God’s living Word for Marvin, he received the grace to permanently turn from his sins.

Reflection 3

By Fr. Martin Hogan 

The gospel reading begins with one of the signs of the coming of Summer in the land of Jesus. When the fig tree begins to bud, then people recognize that Summer is near. Summer seems a long way off for us. There are signs of Autumn everywhere. There are some lovely Autumn colours about at the moment. We know that Autumn will give way to Winter and we associate winter in particular with the months of December, January and February. It will be March before we see real signs of the Summer to come in the form of buds on those trees that are first to come into leaf. The seasons come and then they go. The seasons change, just as so much changes in our world and in our lives. However, at the very end of the gospel reading Jesus says that there is something which never changes, which endures. ‘Heaven and earth will pass away’, he says, ‘but my words will never pass away’. The Lord has given us the gift of his word. We find it in the whole of the Scriptures, but especially within New Testament and, more particularly, within the four gospels. That word which does not pass away is an expression, a revelation, of the Lord who does not pass away, who is always present to us, in good times and in bad, in season and out of season.

Prayers 

My Eternal Word, You are unchanging and eternal. You are the rock foundation upon which I must always rely. As I continue to experience the many changes encountered in this life, please enter my soul through Your written Word, so that I will find the stability I need. As I stand firm in You, I look forward with joy to the New Heavens and New Earth that await. Jesus, I trust in You.

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all history, and the lord of all creation. Give me joyful hope and assurance that I will see you face to face and be united with you forever when you return in glory.

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

Reflection 333: Simplicity

Life can appear to be complicated at times and so can we.  But the truth is that we need to cut through the complexities of life and realize that, from the perspective and Will of God, life is simple.  It’s simple in that all we need to do is say “Yes” to Him every day, surrendering all to Him and trusting Him every step of the way.  We must be diligent in responding to His promptings and grace, but we do not have to enter into the entire complicated world, figure it out and solve it.  This is too much and is far better done by God.  Seek to be a simple soul who trusts in the perfect wisdom of God and He will sort life out for you (See Diary #1617).

Do you find that your life appears complicated at times?  Reflect upon this question and if the answer is “Yes” it’s probably because you are trying to do more than God is asking and to solve questions that He already knows the answers to.  Turn to Him, today, as a simple trusting soul.  Be ready and willing to respond to anything He communicates to you and do it with passion and diligence, but do not worry about all the apparent complexities of life.  The Lord understands them well and will navigate you through their confusion.

Lord, I pray that I may become a simple soul.  I choose to follow this path led by absolute trust in You and Your wisdom.  You know all things, dear Lord, and You will guide me every step of the way through the apparent complexities of life if I let You.  I do believe this dear Lord.  Help me believe it with all my soul.  Jesus, I trust in You.