Sunday Reading Reflections - Nov. 18, 2007

November 18, 2007
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

READING 1: Malachi 3:19-20a

Reading 1 Reflection:

In today's reading, the prophet is sounding the alarm. Although God's promises have been fulfilled, many have become proud, selfish, and sinful. But the day of judgment will come. Those who do evil will not get away with it forever. Justice will surround them like a blazing oven. While the evil are "burning," the faithful will be warmed by "the sun of justice."

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

The work of a prophet is not only to remind us of the past, but also to speak of the present in such a way as to motivate us for the future. Malachi sees the injustice around him, and speaks of a day to come, "the day of the Lord," when justice will triumph. How do these prophetic words motivate you? How will you prepare for the day of the Lord? What kind of healing are you hoping for from the Lord? How can you, as a follower of Christ, the sun of justice, be a healing presence in your own way right now?

Pray together: Jesus, Sun of Justice, let your healing rays warm our hearts. Guide us in your paths of justice and peace. Amen.

READING 2: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Reading 2 Reflection:

What would happen if everyone knew when the end of the world was coming? Some early Christians, who believed that Christ was coming again soon, decided to quit work and take it easy. Why build and plant if this world is about to be destroyed, they asked themselves. But they are scolded for becoming lazy busybodies and taking advantage of others. They are to work and to remain faithful, for no one knows when the end is coming.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

In these last weeks of the liturgical year, the Church reminds us of the end of time itself, the end of the world and the beginning of God's new and eternal kingdom. How do you feel about being reminded of the end of the world? Does it make a difference in the way you live your life? Are you tempted to sit back saying, "What will be will be. I can't worry about it"? Or does knowing this world will end someday help you to make our world a more beautiful gift to the creator?

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

Gospel Reflection:

Jesus warns his followers not to be deceived about the end of the world. The signs of the end (wars, earthquakes, famines) will occur repeatedly. Christians will be persecuted and will not be able to trust even some of their own family members. But Jesus will not abandon them. He will give them the right words to speak when they are on trial. By enduring whatever suffering comes, his disciples will be saved. Though their bodies may be persecuted, their spirits will remain unharmed.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Jesus says two seemingly contradictory things: "Some of you will be put to death" and "Not a hair of your head will be harmed." Jesus is warning us of terrible things that may happen. Yet because he is with us, we will not be harmed. Not even death can harm us! Jesus has taken us beyond death, and has saved our lives for all eternity. We do not know when the end of the world will come. We do not know when our own death, our own "end of the world as we know it," will come. What does your faith in Jesus tell you about the end of the world? What does your faith tell you about your personal "end of your world" that we call death? How does your faith in Jesus help you to proclaim your faith in words and actions, no matter what the consequences?

There is saying that comes from the American old West, "He died with his boots on." This means that this person died while living a full and active life, living his or her values right to the end of life on earth. Think back over the words of Jesus that you remember. (Love one another. Be merciful as your Father is merciful. Thy will be done, and many others!) Which one might help you to live a fuller Christian life right now? How do you plan to "die with your boots on" while walking the way of Jesus?