Daily Readings for November 17, 2015

1ST READING

There were many traitors to the Jewish faith who worked with the governing Greek rulers. Today, persecution is not necessarily in terms of armies and war; it is directed at our minds and how we think. We must defend our faith so that we will not be led astray by worldly lies. Let us be faithful members of God’s Kingdom.

2 Maccabees 6:18-31

18 Eleazar, one of the foremost scribes, a man of advanced age and noble appearance, was being forced to open his mouth to eat pork. 19 But preferring a glorious death to a life of defilement, he spat out the meat, and went forward of his own accord to the instrument of torture, 20 as people ought to do who have the courage to reject the food which it is unlawful to taste even for love of life. 21 Those in charge of that unlawful ritual meal took the man aside privately, because of their long acquaintance with him, and urged him to bring meat of his own providing, such as he could legitimately eat, and to pretend to be eating some of the meat of the sacrifice prescribed by the king; 22 in this way he would escape the death penalty, and be treated kindly because of their old friendship with him. 23 But Eleazar made up his mind in a noble manner, worthy of his years, the dignity of his advanced age, the merited distinction of his gray hair, and of the admirable life he had lived from childhood; and so he declared that above all he would be loyal to the holy laws given by God. He told them to send him at once to the abode of the dead, explaining: 24 “At our age it would be unbecoming to make such a pretense; many young people would think the ninety-yearold Eleazar had gone over to an alien religion. 25 Should I thus pretend for the sake of a brief moment of life, they would be led astray by me, while I would bring shame and dishonor on my old age. 26 Even if, for the time being, I avoid the punishment of men, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hands of the Almighty. 27 Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, 28 and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” Eleazar spoke thus, and went immediately to the instrument of torture. 29 Those who shortly before had been kindly disposed, now became hostile toward him because what he had said seemed to them utter madness. 30 When he was about to die under the blows, he groaned and said: “The Lord in his holy knowledge knows full well that, although I could have escaped death, I am not only enduring terrible pain in my body from this scourging, but also suffering it with joy in my soul because of my devotion to him.” 31 This is how he died, leaving in his death a model of courage and an unforgettable example of virtue not only for the young but for the whole nation.

P S A L M

Psalm 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: The Lord upholds me.

1 [2] O Lord, how many are my adversaries! Many rise up against me! 2 [3] Many are saying of me, “There is no salvation for him in God.” (R) 3 [4] But you, O Lord, are my shield; my glory, you lift up my head! 4 [5] When I call out to the Lord, he answers me from his holy mountain. (R) 5 [6] When I lie down in sleep, I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. 6 [7] I fear not the myriads of people arrayed against me on every side. (R)

GOSPEL

Tax collectors were considered to be the lowest of the low by their fellow Jews. They were not only instruments of taxation; they also conspired with the occupying power in collecting their taxes. Extortion and other sorts of corruption were also involved. So Jesus’ going to the tax collector’s house to eat, an action symbolizing friendship and inclusion, was tantamount to being a traitor to the Jewish cause.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

God loved us, and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

Luke 19:1-10

1 At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. 2 Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax  collector and also a wealthy man, 3 was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. 5 When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 And he came down quickly and received him with joy. 7 When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

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Daily Readings for November 16, 2015

1ST READING

The Greek’s rule over Israel was not a happy time for the Jews. They were oppressed and Greek gods were set up all over the place for the people to worship. Many of the Jews took on Greek practices and religion under pressure and persecution. Many did not, and it is to the story of those who resisted that the two Books of Maccabees are dedicated.

1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64

10 [From the descendants of Alexander’s officers] there sprang a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus, once a hostage at Rome. He became king in the year one hundred and thirty-seven of the kingdom of the Greeks. 11 In those days there appeared in Israel men who were breakers of the law, and they seduced many people, saying: “Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us; since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.” 12 The proposal was agreeable; 13 some from among the people promptly went to the king, and he authorized them to introduce the way of living of the Gentiles. 14 Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the Gentile custom. 15 They covered over the mark of their circumcision and abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing. 41 Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, 42 each abandoning his particular customs. All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king, 43 and many children of Israel were in favor of his religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath. 54 On the fifteenth day of the month Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five, the king erected the horrible abomination upon the altar of burnt offerings, and in the surrounding cities of Judah they built pagan altars. 55 They also burned incense at the doors of houses and in the streets. 56 Any scrolls of the law which they found they tore up and burnt. 57 Whoever was found with a scroll of the covenant, and whoever observed the law, was condemned to death by royal decree. 62 But many in Israel were determined and resolved in their hearts not to eat anything unclean; 63 they preferred to die rather than to be defiled with unclean food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. 64 Terrible affliction was upon Israel.

P S A L M

Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158

R: Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.

53 Indignation seizes me because of the wicked who forsake your law. (R) 61 Though the snares of the wicked are twined about me, your law I have not forgotten. (R) 134 Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may keep your precepts. (R) 150 I am attacked by malicious persecutors who are far from your law. (R) 155 Far from sinners is salvation, because they seek not your statutes. (R) 158 I beheld the apostates with loathing, because they kept not to your promise. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus will always listen to your problems even if no one else will. This is not to say that we will always get exactly what we want and when we want it from Jesus. But we can be sure that He will understand us. Why doesn’t Jesus simply heal everyone who is sick? Sickness is a normal experience of human life. We have to persevere through difficult experiences and learn from them.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

Luke 18:35-43

35 As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, 36 and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 39 The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” 40 Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” 42 Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” 43 He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

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Daily Readings for November 15, 2015

1ST READING

There is contention as to how to understand the apocalyptic genre as it appears in both the Old and New Testaments. This genre of writing is directed towards a persecuted community seeking to bring consolation and hope to those who are suffering. It is not meant to be predictive in the prophetic sense of the word and so we avoid reading the text in this manner. This encourages us to persevere, knowing that there will be ultimate reward for those who do so.

Daniel 12:1-3

1 In those days, I, Daniel, heard this word of the Lord: “At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. 3 But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.”

P S A L M

Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11

R: You are my inheritance, O Lord!

5 O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. 8 I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. (R) 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; 10because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. (R) 11 You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. (R)

2ND READING

Jesus achieves with His own personal sacrifice what thousands of sacrifices in the Temple have failed to achieve — the forgiveness of sin. The Blood of Jesus speaks more eloquently than temple sacrifices according to Scriptures. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross actually achieves what it signifies — all the others are merely signs of what occurs when Jesus dies on the cross. The sacraments of the Church celebrate this reality in a particular manner that is more than simply a sign — they are re-presentations of the sacrifice of Jesus.

Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

11 Brothers and sisters: Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; 13 now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated. 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for sin.

GOSPEL

Signs are simply signs. How we are to interpret them is impossible to know. There is no secret code that will reveal the dates of future events regarding Jesus’ Second Coming. He tells us that no one knows the day or hour — only the Father does. We must dismiss any person’s claim to know such dates. They may be misled in their beliefs or lying outright to us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

Mark 13:24-32

24 Jesus said to his disciples: “In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 “And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, 27 and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky. 28 “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. 30 Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

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Daily Readings for November 14, 2015

1ST READING

The Word of God reveals to us the person and nature of Jesus. It is also seen in the life of a person who follows God’s will. It is life-giving for those who believe and trust in it. God’s Word is the truth we need to follow in order to live as disciples of Jesus.

Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9

14 When peaceful stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, 15 Your all-powerful word, from heaven’s royal throne bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land, 16 bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree. And as he alighted, he filled every place with death; he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth. 19:6 For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew, serving its natural laws, that your children might be preserved unharmed. 7 The cloud  overshadowed their camp; and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging: Out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road, and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood. 8 Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by your hand, after they beheld stupendous wonders. 9 For they ranged about like horses, and bounded about like lambs, praising you, O Lord, their deliverer.

P S A L M

Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43

R: Remember the marvels the Lord has done!

2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. 3 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! (R) 36 Then he struck every first-born throughout their land, the first fruits of all their manhood. 37 And he led them forth laden with silver and gold, with not a weakling among their tribes. (R) 42 For he remembered his holy word to his servant Abraham. 43 And he led forth his people with joy; with shouts of joy, his chosen ones. (R)

GOSPEL

Ultimately, the righteous person will prevail over the unrighteous. When we stand before God on Judgment Day, perfect justice will happen. It is our duty, as men and women called to live holy lives, to conduct our affairs righteously no matter what others may be doing. Heroism and faith are called for so that our life’s witness will be a beacon of truth in the midst of a dark society.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

God has called us through the Gospel, to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 18:1-8

1 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, 2 “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. 3 And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ 4 For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, 5 because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’ ” 6 The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. 7 Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

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Daily Readings for November 13, 2015

1ST READING

It is possible to know that God exists by reflecting on the gift of creation around us. If we open our hearts and minds to the truth, we will know that there is indeed a God. However, faith is something that is proven empirically. It would not be faith to prove that God exists. Belief in Him would be as necessary as belief in the truth that 2+2=4.

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. 3Now 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

 If we have not received the gift of salvation, then we will be unable to share it with others. We cannot give what we do not have. It is critical that we know Jesus and His Word as best as we can. We need to spend long hours in prayer and build our relationship with Jesus so that He can reveal to us all that we need to know to be faithful to His will.

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.”

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