This Week’s Gospel Message for Sunday, November 17th is from Luke 21:5-19.
“While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down . . . Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you . . . It will lead to your giving testimony . . . You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.’”
“Apocalyptic literature can be difficult to understand, especially out of context. But there was always consolation for those who were worthy, because God is more powerful than any earthly disaster. There is a larger plan and the faithful will be delivered.” Source: Pastoral Patterns, Autumn 2019
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday 1 Macc 1:1-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Luke 18:35-43
Tuesday 2 Macc 6:18-31; Luke 19:1-10
Wednesday 2 Macc 7:1, 20-31; Luke 19:11-28
Thursday 1 Macc 2:15-29; Luke 19:41-44
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Memorial) – “This feast began as a commemoration of the dedication of the basilica of St. Mary’s the New in Jerusalem in 543. An apocryphal source recounts that Mary’s parents brought their three-year-old daughter to the temple to offer her to God. Inspired by a priest’s vision, they left her there to be educated and to serve God. The feast entered the Western calendar in 1585. Today, the feast celebrates Mary as a temple where God dwelt in a special way through her role as Mother of Jesus.” Source: Living With Christ, November 2019
Friday 1 Macc 4:36-37, 52-59; Luke 19:45-48
Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr (Memorial) – “According to tradition she was a Roman woman who was martyred sometime in the second or third century. Her association with music stems from the story that at her wedding feast she sang to God in her heart.” Source: Living With Christ, November 2019
Saturday 1 Macc 6:1-13; Luke 20:27-40