33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
 November 13th, 2022

First Reading:  Malachi 4:1-2
Psalm #98 R The Lord is coming to judge the people with equity
Second Reading:  2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Gospel Acclam. Verse: Stand up and raise your hands, because your redemption is drawing near.
Gospel:  Luke 21:5-19
Theme:  Do not be deceived. Jesus will always be with us.

Commentary by Jane Prini

This Sunday is the last Sunday of Ordinary Time. Next Sunday we celebrate Christ Our King. Two Sundays from now is the beginning of Advent and the start of a new liturgical year. The past week, this weekend and the coming week our daily scripture readings are all about the end times. A time when life as we know it will pass away, or change. 

Do you sometimes worry about bad things that happen or maybe you are afraid of things that might happen?

In Luke’s gospel today, Jesus tells his disciples that the beauty they see around them will end. They are afraid. He reassures them that no matter what bad things happen he is always with them. 

He warns them, and us, not to be lead astray when we see bad things happening, thinking the end is very near, or to be deceived by people claiming they know the future. Only God knows the future. Jesus wants us to trust that he will always watch over us. He encourages us that ‘by your endurance you will gain your soul’. That’s his way of saying that he has a plan for each of us. Our part is to believe this. 

Our Christian hope is that Jesus will return and evil will be replaced with love, which is the opposite of fear. Saint Pope John Paul II reminded us often to “Be not afraid”. When we put our trust in Jesus he will never disappoint us. 

I have noticed lately, that when I read scripture daily and spend time in prayer, listening and talking to Jesus, I am less afraid of what the future might be. I can trust that Jesus really does know best. Prayer and daily readings help me to be hopeful. Then the joy of knowing Jesus shines through me to others. I become more aware of the ‘every day miracles’ around me, which also gives me hope and joy. 

Jesus does not want us to worry or be afraid because he is always watching over us. 

Prayer for Families:
Heavenly Father, we don't know what the future holds, but we know that you hold the future. We know that we will be safe when we put our faith and trust in you. We pray for your grace not to be afraid, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Discussion starters: (Choose one or more of these after reading today’s scripture readings)

1. Share a time when have been worried about something that might happen? How did you find peace to trust in God?
2. Share a time when you believed a lie or were deceived. What did you learn from this?

CLICK, READ MORE FOR FAMILY RESOURCES, Colouring Page, Cross Word Puzzle and Word Search
 

Read More