Tag: final judgment

“Know that the Kingdom of God is near.” | Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 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.”

Jesus makes clear to the disciples what to look for at his second coming. Just as we observe signs on earth, as in the buds of the fig tree indicating the coming of summer, the unfolding of the fulfillment of God’s kingdom will be observable. “Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.” By saying this, Jesus reveals that he is the master of time and space. God’s sense of a moment in time is not ours but contains all moments; likewise, to him a generation is not one, but one and many at the same time. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” The kingdom of God is an everlasting kingdom, outlasting all of heaven and earth.

God, when I look up at the vastness of the night sky and see too many stars to count, I recognize the hand of the creator in the created. When I consider the fig tree and the buds of all other trees about to burst open, I see you at work in the world you made from nothing. You are the Ancient One that Daniel saw in a vision; in that same vision is Jesus, the Son of Man whose kingship will never be destroyed, an everlasting dominion. “Heaven and earth will pass away,” Jesus says, “but my words will not pass away.” God, help me see my role today in serving you in your creation, giving you glory and praise now and at the time of my redemption.

From the responsorial psalm: “Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Give glory and eternal praise to him!” For the kingdom, the power, and the glory, Lord, are yours now and for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” | Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 4:18-22)

Jesus 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.

In relating the call of the first disciples, Matthew tells us that Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee and sees Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea. Later, he sees James and his brother John in a boat, mending their nets. Jesus calls them from a specific place and time in their lives to follow him. The symbols of the net and the boat stand in for any occupation, any point in our lives. At any point in life, there is casting for sustenance and mending what is broken. In Jesus’ eyes, every one of us is literally in the same boat. Among brothers, Saint Andrew hears the call of discipleship and follows to be a fisher of men, to cast far and wide the word of God. Right here and right now, Jesus also calls us to follow him and do the same.

God, help me understand the mercy Jesus your Son shows that is particular to each person. Just as he goes along the shore to meet Andrew, Simon, James, and John, he meets me at every juncture where I have the gift of freely choosing to follow him. In the midst of the day, there is the almost constant need to cast and mend, to work in this life and to put back together what is broken continually through walking away from you in the opposite direction. Lord, help me hear the call to follow you and to return again and again to the sacraments of the Church to receive wholeness through your grace. Meet me today where I am.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men.” Saint Andrew, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking.” | Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 21:12-19)

Jesus said to the crowd: “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses the persecution that the disciples will face in giving witness to him. Powerlessly, they will be handed over out of hatred to the synagogues and prisons and led before authorities because of his name. Parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will hand them over, and some will be put to death. In Jesus’ time, the persecution of Christians had already begun at the start of his public ministry, and it continues today throughout the world. Yet, Jesus reassures us that giving witness to our faith will mean speaking words handed to us by Christ, given by him a wisdom that persecutors will be powerless to refute. And the result? “Not a hair on your head will be destroyed,” Jesus says. “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

God, help me persevere in giving witness to you and to the bridegroom Christ and to his bride, the Church. “You will be hated by all,” Jesus says, “because of my name.” When I encounter this, even if it is in the form of society’s polite way of dismissing what seems quaint or impotent, let me have courage to speak through the Holy Spirit the wisdom of Christ. Give me the opportunity today and every day to speak boldly to profess my faith in the eternal truth of the person of Jesus Christ.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Remain faithful until death, And I will give you the crown of life.” Lord, give me strength today to speak your name boldly.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Awesome sights and mighty signs.” | Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 21:5-11)

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here–the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

The words of Daniel in his interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream lay a foundation for today’s Gospel. In interpreting the king’s dream, Daniel says, “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people; rather, it shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and put an end to them, and it shall stand forever.” In speaking to people who noted the costly stones and votive offerings adorning the temple, Jesus indicates a day when “there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Before the final fulfillment of God’s kingdom, there will be wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters. And there will be, as Jesus says, “awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” Remaining faithful to God, Jesus says, means not being led astray and following the voice of false prophets.

Father in heaven, you sent your Son to destroy death and restore life to all those who hear and follow you. For the times I hear but do not respond to you, strengthen my faith and help me return to you to praise and exalt you above all else. “Give glory and eternal praise to him,” the psalmist sings. Give me the grace to give you glory and praise through my words and actions today, offering you my “prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day.” When I falter, let me recall that you are “above all forever” and the power is yours to grasp me by the hand and fashion me according to your plan to prepare me for eternal life in your kingdom.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Remain faithful until death, And I will give you the crown of life.” Lord, teach me to trust in your ways.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 17:26-37)

“Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left.” They said to him in reply, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to the disciples about the Second Coming and Final Judgment. He relates examples from the Old Testament as a way to help them understand the coming of the Son of Man. Going about their ordinary activities, the people in Noah’s time were caught off guard at the coming destruction as were the people of Sodom at the time of Lot when his wife looked back back to see “fire and brimstone” and turned to a pillar of salt. Saints and theologians have explained Jesus’ disturbing reference to vultures gathering around the body in different ways. Is it enough to recognize that the body will be raised up at the Second Coming for eternal condemnation or eternal life with the Body of Christ?

Father in heaven, help me be aware always of the suddenness of the coming of your Son. Whether to prepare for the ultimate judgment or the end of my life, help me be ready for Christ’s return. Give me the grace to see in the created world beyond the limitations of created things the author who created all. From the Book of Wisdom, help me recall you when I get lost in the ordinariness of a day: “All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God, and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing him who is, and from studying the works did not discern the artisan.” Give me the courage to die to the things of this world and, for the sake of the life of the world to come, not look back.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” Saint Elizabeth, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaVQ82g2C4

“The Kingdom of God is among you.” | Thursday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 17:20-25)

Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that no one will be able to announce when the Kingdom of God comes and at the same time that “the Kingdom of God is among you.” He says to the disciples: “For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.” The coming of the kingdom is already here and is still to come; it is both. Because Jesus perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father in his passion, death, and resurrection, he is one with him in being beyond space and time.

Father in heaven, you are present now, always have been, and always will be—present eternally. You reign over heaven and earth now and in the Second Coming in the return of Christ. By allowing your kingdom to come in my words and actions, help me today prepare for eternal life. Jesus said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.” Give me the grace, Lord, to long for your Son in my desires and in choices I make. Help me see him today and, having prepared for his return, when he comes again.

From the Gospel acclamation: “I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord: whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” Your word is forever, Lord.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Your faith has saved you.”| Wednesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 17:11-19)

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed.

In today’s Gospel, Luke relates the account of Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers. Although healed immediately, only one of the ten returns to Jesus to thank him and give glory to God. Luke tells us that he glorifies God in a loud voice and falls at the feet of Jesus in thanksgiving. As foreigners, and considered by Jews to be impure because of their religious practices and beliefs, Samaritans were looked on as inferior. In recognizing the miracle Jesus performed, the Samaritan gives witness to the importance of recognizing that God’s healing and unifying presence manifested in Jesus’ act of love and mercy.

Father in heaven, help me see with the eyes of faith beyond the physical limitations of sight. The leper Jesus healed came back to him glorifying you in a loud voice, an expression of his complete faith in you. Jesus said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” Give me the grace first to recognize your healing presence and also to be a witness to others in giving you thanks in your saving power.

From the responsorial psalm: “In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Christ, have mercy on us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaVQ82g2C4

“We have done what we were obliged to do.” | Tuesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 17:7-10)

Jesus said to the Apostles: “So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues to respond to the request of the Apostles: “Increase our faith.” Taking the request of the apostles into account along with today’s message, Jesus emphasizes the means of increasing faith: forgiveness and obedience. Forgiveness frees us to serve others in humility and obedience. The demands of discipleship call for dutiful service not for the sake of reward but in obedience to the Lord’s commands. Forgiveness is a form of detachment from obstacles that prevent us from recognizing and doing God’s will.

Father in heaven, hear my prayer. In forgiving others I know that I am doing as Jesus commands. Yet, I fail to do that so often on so many levels. Help me dwell on my inability and weakness as a way to recognize my dependence on you for genuine forgiveness. The gift you give me is one that I immediately give away in letting go of even the little injuries that tend to fester and do harm. Help me recall the words of the Our Father today in obedience to your kingdom and in forgiving the trespasses of others.

From the responsorial psalm: “When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. I will bless the Lord at all times.” Let my soul glory, Lord, in you alone.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Increase our faith.” | Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 17:1-6)

And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

What did Jesus say that touched the hearts of the disciples so that they exclaim, “Increase our faith”? In today’s Gospel, he tells them to be on guard for causing others to sin. He says to them, “It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” Jesus acknowledges that sin inevitably occurs and at the same time gives us the means for peace and justice. “If your brother sins,” Jesus says, “rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” Recognizing the difficulty of rebuking and forgiving one another, the Apostles hear and respond to the Lord. Lord, increase our faith.

Father in heaven, thank you for your hand that guides me and your presence that hems me in. Where can I go that your hand is not on me or that I go even a minute unnoticed by you? “Where can I go from your spirit?” the psalmist asks. “From your presence where can I flee?” But how do I see that and believe it in the course of the day when I encounter ordinary stress and anxiety and am weak in being just and offering forgiveness? Just as the Apostles asked, I also ask you: “Increase my faith!” Give me integrity of heart, Lord, to seek you and trust that you guide me in your truth.

From the responsorial psalm: “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know the whole of it. Behind me and before, you hem me in and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; too lofty for me to attain. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.” Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Stay awake!” | Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 25:1-13)

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise.”

Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom at his arrival at midnight. Five of them were wise and had extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and did not bring any extra oil. As the foolish virgins went off to buy oil, the others went in with the bridegroom to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. At the end of the parable, the five virgins who returned to the wedding feast cried out to the bridegroom, “‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.'” And then Jesus says to conclude the parable: “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” In the first reading, wisdom is found by those who seek her. In the responsorial psalm, the flesh pines and the soul thirsts in those who seek God. In the Gospel, Jesus exhorts us to stay awake and be prepared for his return. The message is unmistakable.

Father in heaven, help me in my desire to wait for you, to watch for you, as one waits for wisdom and is vigilant for her arrival. Help me keep from falling asleep in waiting, in lapsing into apathy or being held captive by the foolishness of this world. What does it mean to pine for you, Lord? To pine is to yearn to the point of suffering, to experience pain in longing for you. The irony is that I often fail to recognize that—that anything in this world will never be enough, that you alone through your condescending love make me whole, wanting nothing else. Give me the grace, Lord, to always be ready to recognize you at your coming.

From the responsorial psalm: “O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.” Lord, you are my help.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.