Monday 27 November
Monday of week 34 in Ordinary Time First reading - Daniel 1:1-6,8-20 “And God favoured these four boys with knowledge and intelligence in everything connected with literature, and in wisdom”. Our spiritual life or our relationship with God depends on how much we have faith in the Lord. Often, we don’t follow what our faith demands because we don’t trust our own faith. Or we are not convinced about our own faith. When something new is proposed by something which is alien to our faith, we tend to accept it and to follow it. Because we are not convinced of our own faith. Daniel was very convinced of his own traditions and that is why he was ready to ask for a trail of 10 days. Daniel was convinced that the diet proposed by his tradition based on his faith is more effective than the diet proposed by pagan tradition. And it was right. So, let us stick to the traditions and customs based on our faith and not to doubt it when we see some innovations where faith is devoid. Let’s reflect: Am I convinced of my way of life based on my faith or am I doubtful?
Sunday 26 November
Christ the King - Solemnity First reading - Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17 “As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view when he stands up in the middle of his scattered sheep, so shall I keep my sheep in view”. Today we are celebrating the Feast of Christ the King. Christ the King who is a shepherd. The reading is very descriptive. Christ the King is not a king who reigns, but Christ the King is a shepherd who takes care of the sheep. Each sheep is important for this shepherd. He wants each sheep to be in His sight. He saves them from mist and darkness. He pastures himself the sheep. He is not outsourcing the work. He is taking care of the sheep personally. When one sheep is lost, He looks for it, and brings it back. Our King is a true shepherd. For us it’s important to recognize Jesus Christ as our Shepherd. Let’s reflect: How much do I surrender to Jesus, my King-Shepherd?
Saturday 25 November
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?