33rd Week in the Ordinary Time - Sunday (Year C)
13th November 2022 (Sunday) Readings and Reflection
Dear Brothers and Sisters, we are on the Sunday of 33rd week in the ordinary time. Today's gospel reflection is on the theme to be Beware of the times!
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Reading of the Day
First Reading: Malachi 4:1-2
"Behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings."
Psalm 98:5-6, 7-9a, 9bcd (R. see 9cd)
Response: The Lord comes to judge the peoples with fairness.
Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn,
raise a shout before the King, the Lord. Response
Let the sea and all within it thunder;
the world, and those who dwell in it.
Let the rivers clap their hands, and the hills ring out their joy
at the presence of the Lord, for he comes. Response
He comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice,
and the peoples with fairness. Response
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Brethren: You yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labour we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
Gospel : Luke 21:5-19
At that time: While some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, Jesus said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." And they asked him, "Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?" And he said, "See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: Beware of the times!
Indicative: The end times are sure to come. We need to become aware of their nature and get prepared{alertSuccess}
1. All three readings focus on the theme of “time”, especially the end times, before-the end times, that is the present time, and after-the and times, that is the time of reckoning, judgment of reward, or punishment. End times are sure to come. But what kind? What will happen at the end times? How is it characterized?
2. First of all, the end times will be “testing” times. Those who are faithful to God will be put to test and trial. They will be hated, persecuted, and delivered to prison, even by their own families. The end time will be “chaotic and destructive” times. Divisions, wars and tumults, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences will increase. Human pride and glory especially in their mighty structures and achievements of splendour and pomp will be brought low.
3. The end times will be “misleading” times. These are times that falsify things, distort the truth, and deceive and lead astray. The Lord himself warns: “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’, and ‘the time is at hand!’. It is deception concerning self-claims of self-glory and future predictions.
4. How should we respond to these times? What should be our response concerning these end times? First of all, a sense of “Awareness”: We must be aware that there will be end times. Be aware that the end is bound to happen. Do not take things and life for granted.
5. Awareness of the end times would also imply “Preparedness.” The fact that there is an end must make us alert to prepare ourselves fittingly to encounter the destined days. Let us not be caught unawares.
6. To be rightly prepared calls us to guard against an “idling”, callous attitude. Some may think, “in any case, there will be end times; so why simply toil and work? If nothing is going to last, then why struggle?”Thus they simply waste their time in eating and drinking, not busy at work but only busybodies. Thus there is a neglect of responsibilities and duties.
7.Then, “do not be led astray.” Do not go after false promises, assurances, and predictions. Do not be deceived by empty rewards. Do not confide in the earthly glories and successes and do not be carried away by them. Do not lose sight of the perishability of earthly and human prides.
8. Do not be terrified” and lose heart at the adversities and afflictions. Rather confide in God’s protection and care, guidance, and power. For Jesus assures: “I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict… Not a hair of your head will perish.” Therefore trust in God and not the fear of evil must steer us.
9. “Persevere to the end.” Go on working quietly and be productive. Do not be overdependent and a burden to others. But earn your own living. Give a good example for others to imitate. Bear witness to our faith in times of trial and temptation.
10. Then what will be after the end times? There will be a time of divine judgement and reckoning. It will be a day burning like an oven when all the arrogant and evildoers will be stubble. The day will leave them neither root nor branch. But those who fear God’s name, those who stand for his name’s sake will gain their lives. “The sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”
Imperative: If only we become wise not to place our excessive trust in material glories and not to be led astray but confide in God and live a life of witness, we will be truly rewarded with eternity{alertSuccess}
Video Reflection
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