Wednesday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
It is a tradition at Conception Abbey that a mass is celebrated during Thanksgiving week as a commemoration of the departed members of our monastic community and the deceased loved ones of our personal families. The readings are of the weekday.
In the first reading from the Book of Revelation we see a vision of God’s holy ones who “have been brought to life” in Christ and are singing the triumphant song of Moses and of the Lamb: “All the nations will worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed” (Rev 15:4). This song is echoed again in the responsorial refrain “Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!” (Rev 13:3b) and in the accompanying verses from Psalm 98: “The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice” (Ps 98:2).
In the gospel today from St. Luke, Jesus describes the persecution which his followers will endure for their faith, even the most painful of all maltreatment—betrayal by friends and the members of one’s own family. Yet, he also gives a word of reassurance: “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives” (Lk 21:17-19). Our prayer today is for those who have passed before us through the realm of death that, having been found worthy, they may experience the fullness of life in the new and heavenly Jerusalem.
Thought for today: What is the meaning of perseverance in my life? What struggle am I called to bear patiently?
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections