34th Week of Ordinary Time - Week Day Readings

Monday, November 24, 2025

Memorial of Saint Andrew Düng-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs 

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112425.cfm

223. A WIDOW’S MIGHT (LK 21:1-7)

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
- Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta

Luke 21:1-7

As he looked up he saw rich people putting their offerings into the treasury; then he happened to notice a poverty-stricken widow putting in two small coins, and he said, ‘I tell you truly, this poor widow has put in more than any of them; for these have all contributed money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in all she had to live on.’ Whensome were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, he said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed’. And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

CHRIST THE LORD The widow who depends entirely on God throws into sharp relief the lesson Jesus has just been teaching – that his Kingdom transcends this world, and only those who recognize their need for God will enter into it. Jesus’ prediction of the

destruction of the Temple, the symbol of the earthly Kingdom of Israel, which Jesus’ enemies mistakenly thought would last forever, calls to mind this contrast between Christ’s Kingdom and all earthly kingdoms. The things of the earth will pass away, but the things of God will remain.

This is why Jesus can say that the widow put more into the treasury than the rich people, even though her gift was only a small sum of money. Jesus saw into her heart. She was a widow, alone in the world, having lost the husband she had loved and cherished. She was poverty-stricken, with nothing to attract the attention of a possible future husband. She had experienced the loss of what was most precious to her as well as the fragility of her own existence, and this had led her to abandon herself completely to God. As she dropped her last two pennies into the treasury box, Jesus saw both the tears of sorrow and helplessness in her eyes, and also the trust and gratitude in her heart. Her monetary gift was the embodiment of her gift of self. It expresses the wisdom her suffering had taught her, the wisdom God wants all of us to acquire through our own suffering: only the Lord’s love endures, so only his Kingdom is worth living for.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Jesus wants to make sure we are never deceived by the appearances of this world. Certainly it is filled with good and beautiful things, and human culture adorns it even more magnificently. The Temple of Jerusalem was known throughout the ancient world as a towering artistic achievement, even this reconstructed Temple. However, the rightful pleasure taken in good worldly achievements can lead us astray, because it can make us start looking for heaven on earth. But heaven is heaven, and earth is earth, and the glories of the former will not last, “not a single stone will be left on another; everything will be destroyed.” This prediction applies both to the Temple at Jerusalem and to the earth itself and all the achievements of human hands. What will last forever, on the other hand, is what we do for God and what we do for our neighbor – these are the two coins the widow puts into the treasury.

In contrast to the well-educated, well-respected, well-to-do people who ostentatiously pour into the coffers objectively large amounts of money that are subjectively worthless to them, she puts in an objectively minuscule amount (two “lepta” coins, the lowest value coin in circulation at the time), in which consists, subjectively, her whole entire livelihood. In other words, she gives her whole self to God. Jesus says this is the worthy and lasting gift. To give ourselves to God by seeking and fulfilling his will (summed up by the commandment to love) is the only investment we can make that will bring in everlasting dividends.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Jesus: Do you see this widow? She is alone in the world, and she is poor, and yet she has more wisdom and strength than the rich, the powerful, and the popular. She gives all she has to me in humble gratitude, knowing that since she has received everything from me, I will take care of her. The only worries in her heart are worries about others’ needs. I want you to learn from her. I want you to trust me as she trusted me. She is the model of all my saints, who have realized that the good things of this world pass quickly. They all know that what pleases my heart and enriches the treasury of my Kingdom are the two seemingly tiny little coins: love for God and love for neighbor. These coins are looked down upon by the powerful of this world, those who think they can bring heaven to earth with their great

projects and programs. But without self-forgetful love, what good is any organization or any political platform? I want you to look at this widow, look into her heart. Learn to see the world and the people in the world as I do, and you will discover the wisdom I want to give you.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE Thank you for giving me enough of your eternal wisdom, Lord, to know that nothing beautiful on this earth will last forever. All the toys and trinkets and achievements are like flowers; they bloom and wither. But your grace bears fruit that never dies. Thank you for the gift of life and faith, and thank you for giving me a mission in life that really matters, the mission of love...

I love the scene of this destitute widow dropping everything she has into the treasury. She doesn’t care about the greedy chief priests who will probably steal from the collection – she cares only about you. She wants to give everything she has to you. What a noble soul! Teach me to give you everything I have by throwing myself into your will for me here and now...

I feel in my heart the desire to make a difference in the world. Where did that desire come from if it didn’t come from you? You put it there, Lord, and then you taught me how to fulfill it: Love God and love my neighbor. Yes, Lord, this is what I want. Show me the way to go; I will follow you, and you will make my life bear fruit...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in this passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. What helps you to keep in mind the passing nature of the things of this world?

3. In what ways do we tend to follow in the footsteps of the rich people Jesus observes in this passage – appearing to give a lot to God, but really holding back the only thing he wants us to give?

4. If everything in the world is going to pass away, why does the Church still encourage us to be fully engaged in society and culture?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1913-1917 on responsibility and participation in society; 2095-2103 on giving worship to God; 1052-1074 on a summary of the two great commandments

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112525.cfm

223. A WIDOW’S MIGHT (LK 21:1-7)

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
- Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta

Luke 21:1-7

As he looked up he saw rich people putting their offerings into the treasury; then he happened to notice a poverty-stricken widow putting in two small coins, and he said, ‘I tell you truly, this poor widow has put in more than any of them; for these have all contributed money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in all she had to live on.’ Whensome were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, he said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed’. And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

CHRIST THE LORD The widow who depends entirely on God throws into sharp relief the lesson Jesus has just been teaching – that his Kingdom transcends this world, and only those who recognize their need for God will enter into it. Jesus’ prediction of the

destruction of the Temple, the symbol of the earthly Kingdom of Israel, which Jesus’ enemies mistakenly thought would last forever, calls to mind this contrast between Christ’s Kingdom and all earthly kingdoms. The things of the earth will pass away, but the things of God will remain.

This is why Jesus can say that the widow put more into the treasury than the rich people, even though her gift was only a small sum of money. Jesus saw into her heart. She was a widow, alone in the world, having lost the husband she had loved and cherished. She was poverty-stricken, with nothing to attract the attention of a possible future husband. She had experienced the loss of what was most precious to her as well as the fragility of her own existence, and this had led her to abandon herself completely to God. As she dropped her last two pennies into the treasury box, Jesus saw both the tears of sorrow and helplessness in her eyes, and also the trust and gratitude in her heart. Her monetary gift was the embodiment of her gift of self. It expresses the wisdom her suffering had taught her, the wisdom God wants all of us to acquire through our own suffering: only the Lord’s love endures, so only his Kingdom is worth living for.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Jesus wants to make sure we are never deceived by the appearances of this world. Certainly it is filled with good and beautiful things, and human culture adorns it even more magnificently. The Temple of Jerusalem was known throughout the ancient world as a towering artistic achievement, even this reconstructed Temple. However, the rightful pleasure taken in good worldly achievements can lead us astray, because it can make us start looking for heaven on earth. But heaven is heaven, and earth is earth, and the glories of the former will not last, “not a single stone will be left on another; everything will be destroyed.” This prediction applies both to the Temple at Jerusalem and to the earth itself and all the achievements of human hands. What will last forever, on the other hand, is what we do for God and what we do for our neighbor – these are the two coins the widow puts into the treasury.

In contrast to the well-educated, well-respected, well-to-do people who ostentatiously pour into the coffers objectively large amounts of money that are subjectively worthless to them, she puts in an objectively minuscule amount (two “lepta” coins, the lowest value coin in circulation at the time), in which consists, subjectively, her whole entire livelihood. In other words, she gives her whole self to God. Jesus says this is the worthy and lasting gift. To give ourselves to God by seeking and fulfilling his will (summed up by the commandment to love) is the only investment we can make that will bring in everlasting dividends.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Jesus: Do you see this widow? She is alone in the world, and she is poor, and yet she has more wisdom and strength than the rich, the powerful, and the popular. She gives all she has to me in humble gratitude, knowing that since she has received everything from me, I will take care of her. The only worries in her heart are worries about others’ needs. I want you to learn from her. I want you to trust me as she trusted me. She is the model of all my saints, who have realized that the good things of this world pass quickly. They all know that what pleases my heart and enriches the treasury of my Kingdom are the two seemingly tiny little coins: love for God and love for neighbor. These coins are looked down upon by the powerful of this world, those who think they can bring heaven to earth with their great

projects and programs. But without self-forgetful love, what good is any organization or any political platform? I want you to look at this widow, look into her heart. Learn to see the world and the people in the world as I do, and you will discover the wisdom I want to give you.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE Thank you for giving me enough of your eternal wisdom, Lord, to know that nothing beautiful on this earth will last forever. All the toys and trinkets and achievements are like flowers; they bloom and wither. But your grace bears fruit that never dies. Thank you for the gift of life and faith, and thank you for giving me a mission in life that really matters, the mission of love...

I love the scene of this destitute widow dropping everything she has into the treasury. She doesn’t care about the greedy chief priests who will probably steal from the collection – she cares only about you. She wants to give everything she has to you. What a noble soul! Teach me to give you everything I have by throwing myself into your will for me here and now...

I feel in my heart the desire to make a difference in the world. Where did that desire come from if it didn’t come from you? You put it there, Lord, and then you taught me how to fulfill it: Love God and love my neighbor. Yes, Lord, this is what I want. Show me the way to go; I will follow you, and you will make my life bear fruit...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in this passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. What helps you to keep in mind the passing nature of the things of this world?

3. In what ways do we tend to follow in the footsteps of the rich people Jesus observes in this passage – appearing to give a lot to God, but really holding back the only thing he wants us to give?

4. If everything in the world is going to pass away, why does the Church still encourage us to be fully engaged in society and culture?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1913-1917 on responsibility and participation in society; 2095-2103 on giving worship to God; 1052-1074 on a summary of the two great commandments

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112625.cfm

224. STAYING FAITHFUL IN THE FRAY (LK 21: 8-24)

“The charms of prosperity must not lead us astray; for only a foolish traveler, when he sees pleasant fields on his way, forgets to go on towards his destination.”

Luke 21:8-24

- Pope St Gregory the Great

‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said, ‘because many will come using my name and saying, I am he and, The time is near at hand. Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.

‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate. Then those in Judaea must escape to the mountains, those inside the city must leave it, and those in country districts must not take refuge in it. For this is the time of vengeance when all that scripture says must be fulfilled. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come! They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.’

CHRIST THE LORD Imagine the tone of this conversation. One of the bystanders makes an offhand comment, a little bit of small talk about the beauty of the Temple. Christ takes up the theme as a chance to voice what has been on his heart. He describes the coming destruction of the Temple by the Roman army (this was to occur in 70 AD), which will mark the definitive end of the former age, the Old Covenant epoch. And then, in response to that description, one of the disciples asks him when this will occur. That question is what immediately precedes this speech of the Lord. He tells them that other claimants to his Messianic title will appear – and they did appear. He tells them that wars and natural disasters will occur – and they did occur between the years of his death and the destruction of Jerusalem, all over the Mediterranean basin (e.g., the Parthians moved against the eastern border of the Roman Empire; Laodicaea was devastated by an earthquake in 60 AD; a famine ravaged Rome during the reign of Claudius, etc.). He tells them that foreign armies will surround Jerusalem and lay a horrible siege to it, and he tells them that they should get out before the siege begins. And then he tells them that before Jerusalem is destroyed, they themselves will suffer fierce persecution from all sides, but that very persecution will afford them an opportunity to spread the Good News.

Maybe his listeners didn’t grasp the whole meaning of his prediction until the events began to play themselves out, but as Jesus spoke they would have had no doubt that Christ was declaring himself to be the lynchpin of time and eternity. With the completion of his earthly mission, human history takes its final turn; the Old Covenant is being brought to its definitive end (“Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans

is completely over”), and the New, Everlasting Covenant is about to be inaugurated by the Lord.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Although this speech was the response to a question about when the Temple would be destroyed, Jesus doesn’t really give a specific date and time. He is more interested in explaining the pattern of events so that his disciples will have reference points as they experience life in the era of the Church. He’s interested in pointing out the three most critical facts about the future: 1) He is going back to the Father’s house, but he will return to bring to fruition the eternal Kingdom that he founded through the Church (thus the reference to the “age of the pagans” being “completely over”); 2) In the meantime, he is sending his disciples to announce that Kingdom to all peoples; and 3) Although this mission will bring with it a crescendo of suffering and humiliation and opposition of all kinds, he will be with his Church always, working in and through his followers by the power of the Holy Spirit.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Christ’s mission is much greater than many people think. It isn’t only to make life on earth a bit easier; it is cosmic and eternal. His bottom line is not measured in dollars and cents, but in salvation itself – in everlasting life for real people like our neighbors, our family members, and us. He calls all his followers to share in this mission, to make it their priority, and to persevere in it by leaning on him and not on themselves as they weather storms of pain and violent rejection. They may even suffer rejection at the hands of their closest relatives, but he assures them that if he permits that to happen, it’s only because it will redound in the end for a greater good. Consciously, actively sharing inChrist’s mission grows our friendship with him, because it leads us to continue seeking his will and trusting in him. And when all the battles are over, the victory will come. He is looking forward to sharing that victory with us. After all, that’s why he came.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE I am struck by how vivid these future events were to you, long before they occurred. All knowledge of the universe is yours by divine right. And yet, the teaching you left us was so simple, understandable, and straightforward – above all, your commandment of love. I want to know your teaching better, Lord. I want to follow it. You are the Lord of history; be also the Lord of my life...

What do the petty concerns of my typical day matter in light of the great events of history? Sometimes I let myself listen to the seductive gospel of the news programs, and I think that my petty concerns don’t matter at all. But I know better. What matters to you is that I choose in each moment of the day to love you by doing your will. If I do, I will be a truerevolutionary...

Persecution isn’t my favorite thing, Lord, but you promised it would come. Sometimes I think it would be easier if it came in the form of a sword or a gun – being talked about behind my back, laughed at, and criticized wounds my vanity and self-love so deeply. Teach me to overcome evil by doing good, and to love even my enemies as you have loved me...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in this passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his Kingdom will have no end.” What impact do you think this doctrine should have on our daily lives?

3. Knowing that fidelity to Christ and his Church will bring with it persecution, misunderstanding, and opposition, how should we prepare ourselves for these eventualities? What form will they take in our current life situation?

4. How can we avoid falling into the frustrating trap of trying to tackle the difficulties and challenges of life all by ourselves, forgetting that Christ is always with us, working in our hearts and in others through us?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 780 on the Church as the sign and instrument of salvation; 668-682 on the Second Coming and the Day of Judgment

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Thanksgiving Day

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112725-Thanksgiving.cfm

224. STAYING FAITHFUL IN THE FRAY (LK 21: 8-24)

“The charms of prosperity must not lead us astray; for only a foolish traveler, when he sees pleasant fields on his way, forgets to go on towards his destination.”

Luke 21:8-24

- Pope St Gregory the Great

‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said, ‘because many will come using my name and saying, I am he and, The time is near at hand. Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.

‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate. Then those in Judaea must escape to the mountains, those inside the city must leave it, and those in country districts must not take refuge in it. For this is the time of vengeance when all that scripture says must be fulfilled. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come! They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.’

CHRIST THE LORD Imagine the tone of this conversation. One of the bystanders makes an offhand comment, a little bit of small talk about the beauty of the Temple. Christ takes up the theme as a chance to voice what has been on his heart. He describes the coming destruction of the Temple by the Roman army (this was to occur in 70 AD), which will mark the definitive end of the former age, the Old Covenant epoch. And then, in response to that description, one of the disciples asks him when this will occur. That question is what immediately precedes this speech of the Lord. He tells them that other claimants to his Messianic title will appear – and they did appear. He tells them that wars and natural disasters will occur – and they did occur between the years of his death and the destruction of Jerusalem, all over the Mediterranean basin (e.g., the Parthians moved against the eastern border of the Roman Empire; Laodicaea was devastated by an earthquake in 60 AD; a famine ravaged Rome during the reign of Claudius, etc.). He tells them that foreign armies will surround Jerusalem and lay a horrible siege to it, and he tells them that they should get out before the siege begins. And then he tells them that before Jerusalem is destroyed, they themselves will suffer fierce persecution from all sides, but that very persecution will afford them an opportunity to spread the Good News.

Maybe his listeners didn’t grasp the whole meaning of his prediction until the events began to play themselves out, but as Jesus spoke they would have had no doubt that Christ was declaring himself to be the lynchpin of time and eternity. With the completion of his earthly mission, human history takes its final turn; the Old Covenant is being brought to itsdefinitive end (“Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans

is completely over”), and the New, Everlasting Covenant is about to be inaugurated by the Lord.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Although this speech was the response to a question about when the Temple would be destroyed, Jesus doesn’t really give a specific date and time. He is more interested in explaining the pattern of events so that his disciples will have reference points as they experience life in the era of the Church. He’s interested in pointing out the three most critical facts about the future: 1) He is going back to the Father’s house, but he will return to bring to fruition the eternal Kingdom that he founded through the Church (thus the reference to the “age of the pagans” being “completely over”); 2) In the meantime, he is sending his disciples to announce that Kingdom to all peoples; and 3) Although this mission will bring with it a crescendo of suffering and humiliation and opposition of all kinds, he will be with his Church always, working in and through his followers by the power of the Holy Spirit.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Christ’s mission is much greater than many people think. It isn’t only to make life on earth a bit easier; it is cosmic and eternal. His bottom line is not measured in dollars and cents, but in salvation itself – in everlasting life for real people like our neighbors, our family members, and us. He calls all his followers to share in this mission, to make it their priority, and to persevere in it by leaning on him and not on themselves as they weather storms of pain and violent rejection. They may even suffer rejection at the hands of their closest relatives, but he assures them that if he permits that to happen, it’s only because it will redound in the end for a greater good. Consciously, actively sharing inChrist’s mission grows our friendship with him, because it leads us to continue seeking his will and trusting in him. And when all the battles are over, the victory will come. He is looking forward to sharing that victory with us. After all, that’s why he came.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE I am struck by how vivid these future events were to you, long before they occurred. All knowledge of the universe is yours by divine right. And yet, the teaching you left us was so simple, understandable, and straightforward – above all, your commandment of love. I want to know your teaching better, Lord. I want to follow it. You are the Lord of history; be also the Lord of my life...

What do the petty concerns of my typical day matter in light of the great events of history? Sometimes I let myself listen to the seductive gospel of the news programs, and I think that my petty concerns don’t matter at all. But I know better. What matters to you is that I choose in each moment of the day to love you by doing your will. If I do, I will be a truerevolutionary...

Persecution isn’t my favorite thing, Lord, but you promised it would come. Sometimes I think it would be easier if it came in the form of a sword or a gun – being talked about behind my back, laughed at, and criticized wounds my vanity and self-love so deeply. Teach me to overcome evil by doing good, and to love even my enemies as you have loved me...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in this passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his Kingdom will have no end.” What impact do you think this doctrine should have on our daily lives?

3. Knowing that fidelity to Christ and his Church will bring with it persecution, misunderstanding, and opposition, how should we prepare ourselves for these eventualities? What form will they take in our current life situation?

4. How can we avoid falling into the frustrating trap of trying to tackle the difficulties and challenges of life all by ourselves, forgetting that Christ is always with us, working in our hearts and in others through us?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 780 on the Church as the sign and instrument of salvation; 668-682 on the Second Coming and the Day of Judgment

Friday, November 28, 2025

Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112825.cfm

225. ENDGAME (LK 21:25-38)

“He hid the time from us so that we would be on the watch and so that each of us might think that the coming will happen in his own lifetime.”

- St Ephraem

Luke 21:25-38

‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, standerect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’ And he told them a parable, ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

In the daytime he would be in the Temple teaching, but would spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives. And from early morning the people would gather round him in the Temple to listen to him.

CHRIST THE LORD In this second half of Jesus’ speech answering the question about when the destruction of the Temple would occur Jesus changes his imagery. He employs phrases

and allusions that all of his Jewish listeners would have recognized as referring to the Day of the Lord that the Old Testament prophets had predicted. The Day of the Lord referred to the coming of the Messiah and the inauguration of the new Messianic Kingdom, which also included the end of the Old Covenant. From the Jewish perspective, this would be the line of demarcation for all human history. By making these allusions, therefore, Jesus associates the events that will occur in the first Christian generation (“Before this generation has passed away all will have taken place”) and conclude with the destruction of Jerusalem as that fateful Day of the Lord. But the Day of the Lord doesn’t end with the fall of the Temple; it is extended throughout the rest of human history. During that time, the experience of the first generations of Christians – persecution, growth, conversions of whole cities and cultures, wars and disasters – will be repeated by successive generations until Jesus comes again. So Jesus’ comments about those days apply to every age of the Church, and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple at the end of Old Covenant history is a foreshadowing of the destruction of heaven and earth at the end of New Covenant history.

Jesus Christ is the Lord of history. When we read the history books and watch the daily news it may not seem so, but in reality he is. At some point in the future, the story that mankind has been putting together since the dawn of time will come to an end; the way things are will be radically changed. Thus the imagery Jesus provides of “signs” in the sun, the moon, and the waves of the sea indicate that the stable order of the universe in which we make history will be uprooted and history will end. When that happens, Christ’s Lordship will be fully manifest to everyone (he will come again in “a cloud with power and great glory”) and will bring to fruition his eternal reign. All human history is moving towards that final, climactic moment. Everyone’s personal contribution to the human story will be made known to all at the end, when the Lord renews heaven and earth and takes his place on the everlasting throne.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Jesus doesn’t tell us the exact day and hour of his second coming. He prefers for us to stay ready for it at every moment; this is the lesson of the fig tree. If we keep our hearts awake, resisting the sweet lullaby of earthly pleasures and concerns, we will recognize the signs of his approach and be prepared to greet him when he comes. He also warns us that we will have to face tribulations before we are able to stand before him in glory; it will not be easy to stay faithful to God throughout the trials of life. (Otherwise, why would he tell us to pray for “strength to survive all that is going to happen”?)

Though millennia have already passed without his appearance, his warnings are as urgent as ever. For even if another millennium or two unfold before history as a whole concludes, our personal histories have a much more predictable endpoint. As individuals, we could find ourselves standing before him any day. It is up to each one of us to heed his warnings now, before “that day is sprung on [us] suddenly, like a trap.” Every year the Church reminds us of this as the Solemnity of Christ the King concludes the liturgical year. We will have no one to blame but ourselves if we don’t take the reminders to heart – and that doesn’t mean shivering with fright and terror, but simply staying faithful to God’s will for our lives, the true source of joy and meaning both in time and in eternity.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Jesus: Do you think I had fire and brimstone in my eyes when I spoke these warnings? Do you think I spoke them quietly, in intimate conversation with my disciples? You know that I never take pleasure in the destruction of sinners. I only seek their salvation, as I have sought yours. I wanted you to know what the human heart has always wondered about – the end of history will come, and I will make a new creation, and the justice that was not given during the course of your earthly life will be given, and my mercy will shine out in all of its infinite glory. I want you to know that, so that you are able to stand up to the trials that following me always brings with it. I know you trust me, but now you have one more reason to do so. You don’t have to fear the future; you already know what it holds. You can be ready, and be at peace, and you can dedicate yourself to loving me and loving those I give you to love. And even though I am with you all the time now, you can already start looking forward to that day when we will be together without the veil of faith.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE I have to thank you again for the gift of these Gospels. Here you speak to me directly – you who created me and love me more than I love myself. And you nourish my soul with the truth of your words and examples. Lord, I want to become an expert in the Gospels – not an academic expert, but a loving expert in knowing and following you, my Lord and my God...

It isn’t easy to stay ready, Lord. Why do you delay your coming? You don’t need to tell me – I already know. In your love and your wisdom you are waiting until the right moment. I want to live faithfully while my life lasts. I want to experience your love and your joy, and I want to spread it to those around me. Fill my heart with your grace and my mind with yourtruth...

I know that being faithful to you, to what is true and right and good, will bring trouble upon me, just as it brought trouble upon you. But you will never let me be tempted beyond my power to endure, and you will always give me whatever strength I need. I am not afraid, Lord. I keep seeing you on the cross, gazing down at me, telling me not to fear, telling mejust to be faithful, courageous...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in this passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. What influences around us tend to “make our hearts coarsened”? In other words, how do Christ’s examples of “debauchery, drunkenness, and the cares of life” apply to us?

3. How can we better follow Christ’s advice about “staying awake, praying at all times”?

4. At the risk of scaring us off, Christ has told us about the seriousness of our life decisions in light of his second coming. We should be equally charitable in telling those around us about these fundamental truths. What are some good ways and appropriate times to do so?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 673-674, 1040 on the uncertainty of the time of the Lord’s coming; 522-526 on the meaning of Advent and Christmas

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112925.cfm

225. ENDGAME (LK 21:25-38)

“He hid the time from us so that we would be on the watch and so that each of us might think that the coming will happen in his own lifetime.”

- St Ephraem

Luke 21:25-38

‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’ And he told them a parable, ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

In the daytime he would be in the Temple teaching, but would spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives. And from early morning the people would gather round him in the Temple to listen to him.

CHRIST THE LORD In this second half of Jesus’ speech answering the question about when the destruction of the Temple would occur Jesus changes his imagery. He employs phrases

and allusions that all of his Jewish listeners would have recognized as referring to the Day of the Lord that the Old Testament prophets had predicted. The Day of the Lord referred to the coming of the Messiah and the inauguration of the new Messianic Kingdom, which also included the end of the Old Covenant. From the Jewish perspective, this would be the line of demarcation for all human history. By making these allusions, therefore, Jesus associates the events that will occur in the first Christian generation (“Before this generation has passed away all will have taken place”) and conclude with the destruction of Jerusalem as that fateful Day of the Lord. But the Day of the Lord doesn’t end with the fall of the Temple; it is extended throughout the rest of human history. During that time, the experience of the first generations of Christians – persecution, growth, conversions of whole cities and cultures, wars and disasters – will be repeated by successive generations until Jesus comes again. So Jesus’ comments about those days apply to every age of the Church, and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple at the end of Old Covenant history is a foreshadowing of the destruction of heaven and earth at the end of New Covenant history.

Jesus Christ is the Lord of history. When we read the history books and watch the daily news it may not seem so, but in reality he is. At some point in the future, the story that mankind has been putting together since the dawn of time will come to an end; the way things are will be radically changed. Thus the imagery Jesus provides of “signs” in the sun, the moon, and the waves of the sea indicate that the stable order of the universe in which we make history will be uprooted and history will end. When that happens, Christ’s Lordship will be fully manifest to everyone (he will come again in “a cloud with power and great glory”) and will bring to fruition his eternal reign. All human history is moving towards that final, climactic moment. Everyone’s personal contribution to the human story will be made known to all at the end, when the Lord renews heaven and earth and takes his place on the everlasting throne.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Jesus doesn’t tell us the exact day and hour of his second coming. He prefers for us to stay ready for it at every moment; this is the lesson of the fig tree. If we keep our hearts awake, resisting the sweet lullaby of earthly pleasures and concerns, we will recognize the signs of his approach and be prepared to greet him when he comes. He also warns us that we will have to face tribulations before we are able to stand before him in glory; it will not be easy to stay faithful to God throughout the trials of life. (Otherwise, why would he tell us to pray for “strength to survive all that is going to happen”?)

Though millennia have already passed without his appearance, his warnings are as urgent as ever. For even if another millennium or two unfold before history as a whole concludes, our personal histories have a much more predictable endpoint. As individuals, we could find ourselves standing before him any day. It is up to each one of us to heed his warnings now, before “that day is sprung on [us] suddenly, like a trap.” Every year the Church reminds us of this as the Solemnity of Christ the King concludes the liturgical year. We will have no one to blame but ourselves if we don’t take the reminders to heart – and that doesn’t mean shivering with fright and terror, but simply staying faithful to God’s will for our lives, the true source of joy and meaning both in time and in eternity.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Jesus: Do you think I had fire and brimstone in my eyes when I spoke these warnings? Do you think I spoke them quietly, in intimate conversation with my disciples? You know that I never take pleasure in the destruction of sinners. I only seek their salvation, as I have sought yours. I wanted you to know what the human heart has always wondered about – the end of history will come, and I will make a new creation, and the justice that was not given during the course of your earthly life will be given, and my mercy will shine out in all of its infinite glory. I want you to know that, so that you are able to stand up to the trials that following me always brings with it. I know you trust me, but now you have one more reason to do so. You don’t have to fear the future; you already know what it holds. You can be ready, and be at peace, and you can dedicate yourself to loving me and loving those I give you to love. And even though I am with you all the time now, you can already start looking forward to that day when we will be together without the veil of faith.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE I have to thank you again for the gift of these Gospels. Here you speak to me directly – you who created me and love me more than I love myself. And you nourish my soul with the truth of your words and examples. Lord, I want to become an expert in the Gospels – not an academic expert, but a loving expert in knowing and following you, my Lord and my God...

It isn’t easy to stay ready, Lord. Why do you delay your coming? You don’t need to tell me – I already know. In your love and your wisdom you are waiting until the right moment. I want to live faithfully while my life lasts. I want to experience your love and your joy, and I want to spread it to those around me. Fill my heart with your grace and my mind with your truth...

I know that being faithful to you, to what is true and right and good, will bring trouble upon me, just as it brought trouble upon you. But you will never let me be tempted beyond my power to endure, and you will always give me whatever strength I need. I am not afraid, Lord. I keep seeing you on the cross, gazing down at me, telling me not to fear, telling me just to be faithful, courageous...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in this passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. What influences around us tend to “make our hearts coarsened”? In other words, how do Christ’s examples of “debauchery, drunkenness, and the cares of life” apply to us?

3. How can we better follow Christ’s advice about “staying awake, praying at all times”?

4. At the risk of scaring us off, Christ has told us about the seriousness of our life decisions in light of his second coming. We should be equally charitable in telling those around us about these fundamental truths. What are some good ways and appropriate times to do so?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 673-674, 1040 on the uncertainty of the time of the Lord’s coming; 522-526 on the meaning of Advent and Christmas