Daily Readings for November 17, 2017

1ST READING

One can have faith in God simply by appreciating the beauty of creation and attributing it to the Creator. It is important to recognize that some of the dynamics of faith are rooted in the natural capacities of the human person, and as such, do not depend on one’s hearing of the Gospel. This is why Paul is able to say in his letter to the Romans that people can know God through the experience of His creation.

Wisdom 13:1-9

1 All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God, and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing him who is, and from studying the works did not discern the artisan; 2 but either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circuit of the stars, or the mighty water, or the luminaries of heaven, the governors of the world, they considered gods. 3 Now if out of joy in their beauty they thought them gods, let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these; for the original source of beauty fashioned them. 4 Or if they were struck by their might and energy, let them from these things realize how much more powerful is he who made them. 5 For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen. 6 But yet, for these the blame is less; for they indeed have gone astray perhaps, though they seek God and wish to find him. 7 For they search busily among his works, but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair. 8 But again, not even these are pardonable. 9 For if they so far succeeded in knowledge that they could speculate about the world, how did they not more quickly find its Lord?

P S A L M

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)

GOSPEL

Human history is full of examples where sin has resulted in tragedies and disaster. Reflect on the wars and violence that we hear of every day. The chaos of sin is something we Christians need to work on. Through our mercy and love, we bring order to human relationships. We need this today, so let us commit to live the Gospel to the full.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

Luke 17:26-37

26 Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; 27 they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; 29 on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all. 30 So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise one in the field must not return to what was left behind. 32 Remember the wife of Lot. 33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. 34 I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. 35 And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left.” 36-37 They said to him in reply, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.”