Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Preface: Throughout this coming week, we will ponder the daily Mass readings from the perspective of the liturgical texts given to us in the Roman Missal and the Lectionary—the entrance and communion antiphons, the responsorial refrains, and the gospel acclamations. These texts provide a unique perspective on the scripture passages of each day and often provide a key for understanding the profound spiritual interconnections between these liturgical readings.

The entrance antiphon provides reassuring words in the light of the dramatic reading from the Book of Revelation describing the final judgment and the overthrow of Death and Hades: “The Lord speaks of peace to his people and his holy ones and to those who turn to him” (Cf. Ps 84:9). John speaks of these holy ones who have turned to Christ—those souls who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and the word of God, who have come to life and now reign with Christ in a realm of peace. He presents the vision of “a new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev 21:2). Here in this holy city “God lives among his people (responsorial refrain Rev 21:3b). “Blessed are they who dwell in your house!” (Ps 84:5).

The Gospel from St. Luke continues the consideration of the question of when the end time will occur. In yesterday’s first reading (for the sake of those who used special readings for Thanksgiving Day) we would have heard: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken…” (Rev 21:25-26). Jesus says “…when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near” (Lk 21:30). Yet he goes on to say “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Lk 21:33). And the communion antiphon provides us with some of the most reassuring words that Jesus has given “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age…” (Mt 28:20). God has indeed promised to live among his people, to be with us always through whatever calamity may befall our world. During this time of viral pandemic, these words of assurance are an anchor for us in the storm of uncertainty and fear.

Thought for the day: Have I turned to the Lord today to listen to the word of peace he speaks in my life in the midst of the turbulence in our world and in our country?

Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB