Reflecting
On Sunday’s Readings
November 2016
The following series is free, downloadable small-group materials based on each week’s Mass readings and taking
into account the seasons of the liturgical year. Each study provides an introductory reflection on some aspect of the
readings or on personal spirituality. Each of the readings is provided along with a few questions designed to engage
the heart and stimulate the group’s discussion. These small-group materials will be provided on a continuing basis in
monthly segments.
We would suggest the following 60-to-90 minute format for the small group:
1.
Open with a moment of quiet reflection and prayer.
2.
Discuss the introductory reflection with a question or comment like, “What do you feel is important for us to
grasp in this introduction?” or “What stood out to you from these opening paragraphs?” As the facilitator of the
discussion be ready to share one or two things which were important to you from the introduction.
3.
Have someone read the First Reading and ask several people to share their answers to the reflection questions.
Effective group-dynamic techniques should be used to further stimulate the discussion and affirm the
participation.
4.
The Responsorial Psalm provides a reflective transition from the First Reading to the Gospel Reading, so have
the Psalm read aloud. You may do this without additional comment, or you may want to draw their attention to
something you feel is pertinent.
5.
You can either read this week’s Second Reading next and ask several people to share their answers to the
reflection questions, or cover the Second Reading after you cover the Gospel Reading. The Second Reading
does not always have a clear connection to the other Sunday Mass readings, so do not feel like you need to
force a connection. However, you can provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to draw a connection by
asking, “How do you see that this passage ties into the theme of the readings?”
6.
Move on to the Gospel Reading, repeating the process by asking several people to share their answers to the
reflection questions.
7.
Approximately equal time for discussion should be given to each of the sections: Introduction, First Reading,
Gospel Reading, and the Second Reading. Obviously, if one section is especially stimulating, you should give
some additional time to discussing it.
8.
Close the discussion with group prayer, using various prayer formats.
We trust that God will use these materials to make His Word more meaningful to you, both within the
small group environment and during Mass as you hear Scripture read and taught. We would appreciate knowing if
you are using the Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings, and would welcome your feedback, either through the
Emmaus Journey web page form, or by direct e-mail.
Sincerely in Christ,
Richard A. Cleveland
Info@emmausjourney.org
Reflecting
On Sunday’s Readings
THE THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—November 6, 2016
Introduction: Have you noticed the increased awareness of heaven and of life after death after 9/11 and subsequent
terrorism around the world? Even before the tragic attack of September 11, 2001, people were speaking more
openly, albeit often mistakenly, about life after death. The terrorists were motivated by a totally inaccurate
understanding of what God is like, what kind of actions he honors, and the reward of heaven and what it is like. For
many of the victims and their families life after death and the reality of heaven is a hope that sustains them.
Though talk of heaven and life after death may now be more in vogue in this country it is not a new issue. Since
the beginning, when God warned Adam and Eve, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of
the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die,” mankind has known that there is more to life than death, and has
sought to ascertain what it is and how we can achieve it.
In Jesus’ day it was not only a hot topic but also a hot point of religious controversy. The Sadducees did not
believe in the resurrection and eternal life, nor in angels or spirits, nor did they believe in a coming Messiah. Their
life was wrapped up in this life. Consequently, people have made a not altogether inappropriate play on words about
their name, explaining, “The Sadducee does not believe in eternal life, that is why he is sad-you-see!”
The Pharisee, though also very legalistic, did believe in the resurrection, angels, spirits, and the coming
Messiah. So the controversy about heaven was ever present in the religious life of Jesus’ day. In their attempt to
prove their point the Sadducees asked Jesus a rather convoluted question involving the death of seven brothers, a
wife who was subsequently wed to the next brother after each died, and their relationships in heaven.
As ever, Jesus was not taken in by their attempted trickery but rather turned their question into an occasion for
teaching the truth about heaven. Jesus points out that “marrying and giving in marriage” is a characteristic of this
life not of the next. Very simply his explanation says, don’t fashion heaven in the image of earth, it is different by
nature. The rules here do not apply in heaven; they are suspended and superseded by a higher law. In heaven the
nature of eternal life and the nature of eternal beings is wholly spiritual and not even remotely earthly.
In addition Jesus clarifies that not only is the nature of life changed but the nature of the people who go to
heaven is also changed. Death is no longer present, “for they cannot die any more.” Death has lost its sting—forever.
This is the hope of eternal life. The speaker at the NYC memorial for the victims of the September 11, 2001
attack was correct when he stated that those who have gone from us, in spite of their love for us who linger, would
not choose to come back. For not only has death been de-fanged, but the residents of heaven have become “sons of
God” and “sons of the resurrection.” There can be no more exalted and wonderful position.
“The Sadducees do not have our hope for the resurrection, since they ‘know neither the scriptures nor the power
of God,’ who is able to restore what is lost, to raise what is dead to life; to revive what has rotted away, to gather
together what is corruptible and finite. The Lord promised to do this, and he gives as a guarantee the promises he has
already fulfilled. So let your faith speak of this to you, since your hope will not be disappointed even though your
love may be put to the test.”*
Like the Sadducees and Pharisees we have the opportunity to believe what we want about the nature of the
resurrection and life after death. However, the nature of the resurrection and life after death is in no way influenced
by what we believe. It is a reality that is as sure as Jesus himself, and of which we can get a foreshadowing through
Scripture. However we must seek the Holy Spirit’s help to insure that we view earthly life with eternal insight
rather than view eternal life with earth’s limited vision. When we do, we will no longer view God as the “God of
the dead,” but rather as the God “of the living” and hopefully will “live to him.”
*(Saint Augustine in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, Vol II)
First Reading — 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
1
It happened also that seven brothers and their mother were arrested and were being compelled by the king, under
torture with whips and cords, to partake of unlawful swine’s flesh. 2 One of them, acting as their spokesman, said,
“What do you intend to ask and learn from us? For we are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our
fathers.” …
And when he was at his last breath, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but
the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
10
After him, the third was the victim of their sport. When it was demanded, he quickly put out his tongue and
courageously stretched forth his hands, 11 and said nobly, “I got these from Heaven, and because of his laws I disdain
them, and from him I hope to get them back again.” 12 As a result the king himself and those with him were
astonished at the young man’s spirit, for he regarded his sufferings as nothing. 13 When he too had died, they
maltreated and tortured the fourth in the same way.
14
And when he was near death, he said, “One cannot but choose to die at the hands of men and to cherish the
hope that God gives of being raised again by him. But for you there will be no resurrection to life!”
9
1.
What is the spiritual principle by which this family lived?
Responsorial Reading — Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15
1
Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! …
5
My steps have held fast to thy paths, my feet have not slipped. 6 I call upon thee, for thou wilt answer me,
O God; incline thy ear to me, hear my words. …
8
Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of thy wings, …
15
As for me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with beholding thy form.
Second Reading — 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5
16
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good
hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed on and triumph, as it did among you,
2
and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will
strengthen you and guard you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and
will do the things which we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness
of Christ.
2.
How does “eternal comfort and good hope” enable us to remain “steadfastness” in Christ?
Gospel Reading — Luke 20:27-38
27
There came to him some Sadducees, those who say that there is no resurrection, 28 and they asked him a question,
saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take
the wife and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and died
without children; 30 and the second 31 and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died.
32
Afterward the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had
her as wife.”
34
And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are accounted
worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, 36 for they
cannot die any more, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But that
the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham
and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to him.”
3.
To what degree do you think about heaven and life after death?
4. What have you come to believe about heaven and life after death? What other insight does Scripture give about
heaven?
5.
How should belief in, and consciousness of heaven and life after death affect the way we live?
Scripture text is from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, (New York: The National Council of Churches) 1997, c1994.
Reflecting On Sunday’s Readings, Copyright 2002-2016, Richard A. Cleveland.
Reflecting
On Sunday’s Readings
THE THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME—November 13, 2016
Introduction: Though Saint Pope John Paul II, early in his ministry as Pope, offered us the admonition, “Be not
afraid.” During these days of terrorist attacks, military mobilization, and impending economic fall-out there seems to
be much of which to be afraid. “…the words, ‘Be not afraid’ were doubtless addressed to a world in which man
fears man, fears life as much as, if not more than, death, fears the savage forces he holds prisoner, fears everything,
nothing and sometimes even his own fear; but they were also, or might have been, the exhortation of a disciple in the
dawn of Christianity to his brothers called to bear witness …” (Be Not Afraid by André Frossard) This week’s
Gospel Reading is a pertinent passage that reinforces the same message for our troubled times.
The “good old days” had their share of the not so good also. Even a superficial study of history will reveal that
every generation has experienced their own version of man’s inhumanity to man. Jesus knew what we would face
throughout history yet he too admonished, “Do not be terrified.” How can we remain calm and at peace in the midst
of such horrendous events?
Peace comes from the assurance that God is in control of history, working his will even in the face of man’s
inhumanity to man. He has our eternal welfare within his control. Thus we need not fear death or eternity. In this
passage Jesus warns, “some of you they will put to death … but not a hair of your head will perish.” This seemingly
contradictory statement can comfort us and give us peace only if we believe in the resurrection, and Jesus’ power to
preserve us for eternity even in death. He promises that in heaven we will be given a new body wherein dwells
righteousness. If we see this temporal life as all-important, we will be terrified of losing it, if we see it as a
stepping stone to eternity where life becomes full and complete, we will not live in terror.
In the midst of terrifying events, people, especially people who do not have a relationship with the Father
through Jesus Christ, have a heightened awareness of their vulnerability and the fragility of their existence.
Consequently, Jesus saw history’s turmoil as a “time for you to bear testimony.” A heart free from hatred, calm and
at peace in the midst of rampant fear, stands out like a lighthouse of refuge in the midst of a raging storm. That
person’s peaceful countenance will attract wonder and provide occasion for a verbal explanation of its reason for
hope.
Do not be afraid that you are ill equipped to provide an answer for your calm and peacefulness. Jesus will “give
you a mouth and wisdom” to share with others how they can experience peace even as he did for these first-century
Christians. With loving grace he will give us words to assure them that they need not fear death either. If people will
turn to God and be reconciled to him through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ they will receive powerful
resources for being unafraid in the face of terror.
 He has given us the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who ever dwells with us providing peace and guidance.
 As children of God we can find comfort in prayer where we can pour out our heart before him and find that
he will become a “refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8)
 He has given us sacred Scripture which will provide strength and encouragement to endure with joy, and
provide guidance how to live and respond to every kind of difficulty, even in these perilous times.
Listen to the message of Pope John Paul II, “Be not afraid.” Listen to Jesus’ message, “Be not terrified.” It is a
choice we face. We need not be victims, losing control of our spiritual and psychological emotions to the will and
whim of the terror we face. We can choose to believe Christ and fasten our thoughts on him and his promises, or we
can choose to fasten our thoughts on that which we fear. In evaluating our level of anxiety it would be interesting to
compare the amount of time we choose to spend listening to the television and radio programs that breed anxiety,
with the amount of time we spend listening to Christ’s voice of peace through his Word and through prayer. Choose
to “be not afraid.”
First Reading — Malachi 4:1-2 (3:19-20 NAB)
1
“For behold, the day comes, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day
that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for
you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go forth leaping like
calves from the stall.
1.
Restate this contrast in your own words
Responsorial Reading — Psalm 98:5-9
5
Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! 6 With trumpets and the sound
of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!
7
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! 8 Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together 9 before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with
righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
Second Reading — 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
7
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, 8 we did not eat
any one’s bread without paying, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not burden any of
you. 9 It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate. 10 For even
when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any one will not work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that
some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.
12
Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn
their own living.
2.
What would you like to have people imitate about your life?
3.
What do you find most worthy of imitating in this passage from 2 Thessalonians?
Gospel Reading — Luke 21:5-19
5
And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6“As for these
things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be
thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to
take place?” 8 And he said, “Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am
he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified;
for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
10
Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great
earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
12
But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and
prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be a time for you to
bear testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; 15 for I will give you a
mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered
up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; 17 you will be
hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your
lives.
4.
What do verses 5-6 teach us about how to view life?
5. What aspects of life tend to frighten you? What have you found, especially in God’s Word, that helps you
overcome the fear?
6.
What happens to your life when you fail to endure and give in to your fears?
Scripture text is from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, (New York: The National Council of Churches) 1997, c1994.
Reflecting On Sunday’s Readings, Copyright 2002-2016, Richard A. Cleveland.
Reflecting
On Sunday’s Readings
CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY—November 20, 2016
Introduction: The Holy Spirit in his wisdom inspired the writers of the Bible to use many different names to
describe Jesus. Titles such as, Messiah, Savior, Shepherd, Teacher, Lord, Son of God, and Son of Man, describe
both the nature and work of Jesus and the rightful position he should hold in our lives. This Sunday we celebrate
Jesus with the title “Christ the King.”
An historical review of various kings of this world, whether it is an overview of biblical kings, or an overview
of secular kings, reveals a mix of good and evil characters. In effect people who lived up to their position of being
king, and people who did not. The dictionary speaks of a king as one who has sovereign power and authority, one
who has dignity and royal bearing, one who holds a preeminent or superior position, one who has character and
splendor of a regal quality, and as one who inherits his position and rules for life. Jesus fits all of these descriptions
and then some. Even when he was arrested, beaten and crucified it was obvious that he was in charge, exercising his
sovereign authority. As he indicated in John 19 no one could have touched him without his permission. Allowing
himself to be put in the most undignified and degrading position in order to secure our salvation, he retained his
dignity. Observers like the soldier and the thief seeing his regal demeanor, even though they did not know how to
name it, recognized his royalty and deity.
We need not answer the question, “Is Christ the King?” Of that there is no doubt. The questions we need to
answer are:
 “To what extent is Christ the King of my life?”
 “To what extent do I allow him to sovereignly rule over my actions, thoughts, attitudes, and possessions?”
 “Of all the people, myself included, who have a claim on my life, to what extent does he have the
preeminent and superior claim?”
Jesus is a benevolent King, ruling in splendor but without demanding allegiance or obedience. In his
sovereignty he is a loving ruler who allows his subjects voluntary compliance to his authority. Those who surrender
their will to his rule discover not only his graciousness, but also the superiority of his Kingdom over the kingdom of
self. This superiority was aptly expressed by Dr. S.M. Lockridge in his famous sermon, “My King Is.” Here is a
portion of how he described Christ the King.
“…my King is a king of the Jews. That’s a racial king. He’s a king of Israel. That’s a national king. He’s a king
of righteousness. He’s a king of the ages. He’s the king of heaven. He’s a king of glory. He’s the King of Kings and
He’s the Lord of Lords. … My king is a sovereign king. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far
seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barrier can hinder Him from
pouring out His blessing. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally
graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful … He’s God’s Son. He’s a sinner’s savior. He’s the
centerpiece of civilization … He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and tried. He
sympathizes and He saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleanses the
lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges beggars. He delivers the captive. He defends the people. He blesses the
young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. I wonder
if you know him?”
Jesus — Christ the King — is all of this and more. Should we choose to live as members of his Kingdom and as
people who honor him with a life of devotion and obedience? The only logical response is, “Yes!” This is the
Sunday to reaffirm his kingship in our life. As we receive Eucharist let’s also receive his rule in our life.
First Reading — 2 Samuel 5:1-3
1
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. 2 In times
past, when Saul was king over us, it was you that led out and brought in Israel; and the LORD said to you, ‘You shall
be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’”
3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron
before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel.
1.
How do you respond to the concept of covenanting to make Jesus, King of your life?
Responsorial Reading — Psalm 122:1-5
1
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” 2 Our feet have been standing within your
gates, O Jerusalem! 3 Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together, 4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes
of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. 5 There thrones for judgment were
set, the thrones of the house of David.
Second Reading — Colossians 1:12-20
12
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has
delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we
have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
15
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; 16 for in him all things were created, in
heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things
were created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head
of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent.
19
For in him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
2.
What is the most powerful reason you can find in this passage for making Jesus, King of your life?
Gospel Reading — Luke 23:35-43
35
And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if
he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar,
37
and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the
King of the Jews.”
39
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
40
But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of
condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done
nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him,
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
3.
What are some of the various ways people can respond to Christ the King?
4.
If Jesus were voluntarily made King of someone’s life, what changes would you expect to see?
5. What practical benefits could someone expect after making Christ the King of their life? What liabilities would
they incur?
Scripture text is from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, (New York: The National Council of Churches) 1997, c1994.
Reflecting On Sunday’s Readings, Copyright 2002-2016, Richard A. Cleveland.
Reflecting
On Sunday’s Readings
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT—November 27, 2016
Introduction: Advent is a season of waiting and watching. Paul, in 1Thessalonians 1:1-3, describes the inner
conversion of the Thessalonians as a “work of faith and labor of love, and steadfastness of hope.” Later in verse 910 he explains how this inner conversion is expressed outwardly in their lives. They “turned to God from idols,”
they “served a living and true God” and they waited “for his Son from heaven.” It is the steadfastness of hope and
active waiting for the return of Jesus that this week’s Scriptures address.
As we enter the season of Advent the eyes of our heart naturally turn to Jesus’ incarnation that we will celebrate
and make present once again in a few weeks. How marvelous is the story of our salvation. Israel, a people not only
conquered politically but also conquered by unbelief and sin, are rescued in a most unique and extraordinary way;
by the birth of a defenseless babe. The coming Messiah-Savior was almost missed by Israel in spite of their years of
prayer, watchfulness, and anticipation, for he came in a most unexpected way and at an unexpected time. As we
celebrate that First Advent of Jesus with all its unexpected miraculous elements it should remind us that his second
Advent, his impending return, could also take place at anytime in an equally unexpected and miraculous way.
The Thessalonian Christians, whom we previously mentioned, waited for Jesus’ return from heaven with
“assurance” and “steadfast hope.” However, their waiting did not consist of sitting around twiddling their thumbs.
Their’s was an active anticipation that propelled them into the tasks of proclaiming the Gospel and reaping a harvest
for the Kingdom of God. Because they knew that Jesus could return at any moment they were genuinely sincere
about their faith and prudently active in sharing their faith throughout the region, even to the point of patiently
enduring persecution.
The Second Reading gives us good advice on how to prepare for Jesus’ Second Advent, “For salvation is nearer
to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of
darkness and put on the armor of light.”
As we celebrate the Advent Season we should become increasingly aware that our salvation is nearer than ever.
Salvation from the penalty of sin and enslavement to sin is, of course, already present in Jesus Christ and through
the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. However our fallen nature, like an unholy gravity, exerts a continuing
downward pull that we must labor to resist. Therefore, each day that we live we are a day closer to the fullness of
salvation when we shall be freed from this downward force and set forever free to enjoy the God of our salvation.
The Advent Season should remind us to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. “Wherefore, let
us honor this sacred day, the day on which the author of our salvation appeared. Whom the wise men revered as an
infant in his crib, let us worship as the all-powerful One in heaven. Just as they offered to the Lord mystical kinds of
gifts from their treasures, let us bring forth from our hearts things that are worthy of God. Although he himself
bestows all good thing, he nevertheless asks for the fruit of our effort. For the kingdom of heaven comes not to those
who sleep but to those who work and watch according to the Lord’s command.” 1
Jesus’ Second Advent is as sure as was Jesus’ First Advent. Two of this week’s Scripture readings alert us to
the unexpectedness of Jesus’ Second Advent. We are encouraged therefore to “watch” and “be ready.” Many
Israelites missed out on the joyousness of Jesus’ First Advent and were unable to exalt with people like Anna and
Simeon who had remained alert and watchful for the Messiah even into old age. What a shame it will be, we will
miss out on so much, if we, due to complacency and preoccupation with other things, are unprepared for his return.
1 Leo the Great as quoted in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, Volume IX
First Reading — Isaiah 2:1-5
1
The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 It shall come to pass in the latter
days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be
raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, 3 and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go
up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may
walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge
between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their
spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 O
house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD.
1. Isaiah expected many changes to take place when the day of the Lord would be established. Which change
would you most desire to see take place in your lifetime? Why?
Responsorial Reading — Psalm 122:1-9
1
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” 2 Our feet have been standing within your
gates, O Jerusalem!
3
Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together, 4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as
was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. 5 There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of
the house of David.
6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they prosper who love you! 7 Peace be within your walls, and security
within your towers!” 8 For my brethren and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” 9 For the sake of the
house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
Second Reading — Romans 13:11-14
11
Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer
to us now than when we first believed; 12 the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of
darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and
drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
2.
What is meant by the phrase, “it is full time now for you to wake from sleep?”
Gospel Reading — Matthew 24:37-44
37
As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they
were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did
not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man. 40 Then two men
will be in the field; one is taken and one is left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is
left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the
householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have
let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not
expect.
3.
What similarities do you see between Jesus’ Second Advent and his First Advent?
4.
Describe what it means to “watch.”
5.
How can the Advent season help us to cultivate an attitude of watchfulness in the midst of a full and busy life?
Scripture text is from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, (New York: The National Council of Churches) 1997, c1994.
Reflecting On Sunday’s Readings, Copyright 2002-2016, Richard A. Cleveland.