The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 2:31-45
Daniel 3:57-61
Luke 21:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

‘The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom ...never to be destroyed.’ (see Daniel 2:44)

In the natural realm we see that although the old must perish, new life is ever-springing forth to replace it. Today's readings suggest that this same cycle holds true in man's spiritual realm. God made provision for the hearts and minds of humanity to receive new life, one enabling us to participate in the truth, love and goodness of God.

Christ in today's Gospel speaks of two endings, also implying two new beginnings. In the first ending Jesus foretells the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, eliminating the offering of animal sacrifices in atonement for sin. Indeed, Christ will offer Himself up as the final, perfect sacrifice so that we, through a lived faith in Him, the Word of God, can gain forgiveness of sin and be restored to friendship with our Father. His grace then gives us the ability to share in divine holiness, prepares us for eternal life.

The second ending Christ speaks of will take place when the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, ushering in His ‘second coming.’ Then when this old order passes away, God will establish His eternal Kingdom, the new Jerusalem predicted in the books of Daniel and Revelation that will put an end to all other kingdoms.

Throughout the New Testament echoes the theme that this world is passing away, but those who believe in Christ by living in the truth and love of God will be born anew, gain eternal life.

Merciful God,
heal us of our blindness to Your truth
and deafness to Your Word,
that we may all inherit a place in Your new kingdom,
to enjoy eternal life with You. Amen

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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posted by joachim at 4:08 AM