Saturday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin, Martyr
Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First reading – 1 Maccabees 6:1-13
“But now I remember the wrong I did in Jerusalem”. Antiochus expresses remorse and recognizes that his misfortunes might be a result of his mistreatment of the Jews. This is the moment of repentance. Also, in this passage we can see the limit of power. Despite being a powerful king, Antiochus is depicted as helpless in the face of his illness and impending death. This serves as a reminder of the limitations of earthly power and the inevitability of human mortality. At the same time, we can see the suffering of the King can be an occasion to understand more the pains of the other. The suffering has its potential to lead to self-awareness and transformation, albeit in a tragic context in a particular story. So, here we see that we always have the possibility to repent for what we have done. And the powers we have now is not eternal. Finally, that, our sufferings can be an opportunity to understand more the difficulties of others. Let’s reflect: Do I see my sufferings as possibilities for understanding the pains of others?
Saturday 25 November
