Sunday Reading Reflections:

November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent

Reading 1 Reflection:

The voice of the prophet Jeremiah greets us as we enter the season of Advent. Called by God, Jeremiah preached a message of hope to the people. In today's reading we hear the promise that God will raise up, from the ancestors of King David, a ruler who will "do what is right and just." This message reminds us of Jesus our Savior.

Advent is a season of hope. We prepare for the coming of God's kingdom and for Christmas. Don't delay. Begin today by praying that God will open your eyes to all the ways you can live as a person of hope.

Reading 2 Reflection:

Paul's letter is addressed to the newly formed Christian community at Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia. He expresses his love for them and his urgent desire that they continue to make progress in living as followers of Jesus Christ.

He reminds them of the second coming of Christ at the end of the world. How will they prepare? By loving one another.

Gospel Reflection:

Today's reading might seem to be a real "downer." Just as we are beginning the new liturgical year, we hear Jesus' reminders to "be vigilant" and "pray." Advent is a time of preparation for Jesus' final coming. Jesus, the just one, who will judge us in the final days of human history, wants us to be able to stand up like true Christians when that time comes. Decide how you will show that you have heard Jesus' words on this first day of Advent.

Sunday Reading Reflections:

November 22, 2009
Solemnity of Christ the King


Reading 1 Reflection:

Once again we share the visions of the prophet Daniel. He sees "one like a son of man" coming from the heavens into the presence of God. This Messiah king receives from God the Father power and kingship over all nations.

His rule is universal and it lasts forever. No one can take it away from him. "Son of Man" later became a title of the Messiah. Jesus applied this title to himself. The Messiah was also thought of as a king. When Jesus was on trial before the high priest, he quoted the vision of Daniel to describe himself.

Reading 2 Reflection:

We are delighted whenever someone we love is honored. In this reading from the beginning of the Book of Revelation, the inspired author has a vision of the second coming of Jesus Christ. He comes in the clouds as the "ruler of the kings of earth."

He is the "First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." He is the faithful witness to God's promises and the first to rise from the dead. Now he is honored as a crucified and risen King. On this triumphant feast day we rejoice in Christ's kingship. And we give thanks that Jesus has made of us a royal priesthood to serve our God and Father.

Gospel Reflection:

What kind of king is Jesus? In this reading from the passion story in John's Gospel, Jesus provides us with his own answer. Pontius Pilate was the Roman official who held power in Palestine. He asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews. Pilate really wants to know whether Jesus might be part of a Jewish revolt against Roman rule. Jesus assures Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world. He is not one who rules by force. However he is a king who came into the world to "testify to the truth."

All who recognize him as "the way and the truth and the life" will hear his voice (John 14:6). As the Church year comes to a close, we are grateful for the ways in which we have heard our King's voice in the liturgy this year. We consider how to live the words of Jesus more faithfully as the circle of the new liturgical year begins.

Sunday Reading Reflections:

November 8, 2009
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Reflection:

In this reading we hear the beautiful story of the prophet Elijah and the widow and her son. During a great drought, Elijah met a widow and asked her for a small cupful of water and a bit of bread. She had only a handful of flour and a bit of oil that she was preparing for her son and herself. But she made a little cake for the prophet and was rewarded with flour and oil for a year, until the rains came again. The generosity of this widow touches us and fills us with admiration.

Reading 2 Reflection:

This reading contrasts the actions of the Jewish High Priest with Jesus' priestly office. Each year the Jewish high priest entered the sanctuary of the Temple of Jerusalem with the sacrifice of animals' blood. In contrast, Jesus entered the sanctuary of heaven and offered the sacrifice of himself once to take away our sins. During today's liturgy, let us ask especially for the forgiveness of our sins, especially for not being generous in forgiving one another.

Gospel Reflection:

In this reading we have the story of another widow who gave generously. Many rich people gave far more; she gave only two small copper coins not worth very much. But Jesus was moved by what she did and praised her to his disciples. She gave all that she had to live on. God loves generosity. Nothing is more moving to the heart of Jesus than our willingness to give of ourselves to help others.