Reflections for Sunday Readings: Nov. 11

November 11, 2007
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

READING 1: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14

Reading 1 Reflection:

This reading may seem like a strange horror story. But it is an actual account of seven Jewish brothers and their mother who were tortured and killed for their faith. They were martyred during the reign of Antiochus III, a Syrian king who forced the people of God to adopt pagan religious practices. The heroes of today's reading refused to break any of the dietary laws of Moses.

The best part of the story for us is the Jewish family's faith in their own resurrection. Although they lived two centuries before Christ, their faith helped to prepare the way for his coming.

READING 2: 2 Thessalonians 2:16--3:5

Reading 2 Reflection:

This passage, written to the Christians at Thessalonica, a seaport in Greece, is a prayer that the faith will progress despite persecution. The writer's heart goes out to those who are trying to keep the faith. And he prays that Jesus will console and guard them.

Gospel: Luke 20:27-38

Gospel Reflection:

In this reading from the Gospel of Luke, some experts in the Jewish religion try to trap Jesus. They refuse to believe in the resurrection of the dead. We can see they did not agree with Jesus. To help them go beyond their concerns about matrimony and inheritance, Jesus tells them that in the next life they do not have to get married. All our relations are centered in God.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Can you imagine a resurrected life where people won't be divided, but where they will live in harmony with God and each other? How can you help those on earth and those in heaven?