Commentary on the Readings for Sunday – November 8, 2009
The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The essence of the Readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time comes from the Second Reading, the Letter to the Hebrews wherein it says: “Jesus…will appear before God on our behalf.” This places Him in the position of a Prophet or one who speaks for, or serves God in some extraordinary way. Jesus was the ultimate Prophet for He was God Himself come to earth to show mankind how to live.
The First Reading is from the First Book of Kings (17:10 – 16). In this passage, we have the story about Elijah, the first prophet to be named in the Old Testament. He was more of a ‘miracle worker’ than one of the later literary prophets and he served God during the reign of the evil king Ahab (c. 850 BC). Elijah worked among the people of the northern kingdom trying to get them to return to the teachings of Moses and be faithful to God. In this brief story, Elijah meets a woman gathering wood for a fire. He is hungry and because he lived and survived on charity he asked the woman for water and bread (hearth-cake). The woman was on the verge of starvation, but because she knew he was a holy man she did as he requested and was rewarded with food for a full year until the rains came again and a new harvest made food available.
The Responsorial Psalm is (146:7 – 10). In this portion of a much longer Psalm, the psalmist gives praise to God and enumerates many of the blessings God has bestowed on mankind – looking after the needs of His creation. God will do the same for us if we come to Him in need, asking for His help and mercy. God blesses those who are sincerely humble in His presence.
The Second Reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews (9:24 – 28). The writer of Hebrews is telling us that Jesus, as the eternal ‘high-priest’ before God, offered Himself as ransom for all mankind. Further, because He is eternal, unlike the high-priests of ancient Israel, His offering is also eternal. Therefore, when He comes again, it will not be for the purpose of offering sacrifice for sin, but to bring salvation to the faithful.
The Gospel Reading is taken from the Gospel of Mark (12:38 – 44). In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and apostles and pointing out the error of the ways of the Scribes who were the educated and official interpreters of The Law. They exaggerated their position and power, especially over the poor and widows, just the opposite of Elijah in the First Reading. Jesus points this out and predicts that they will receive a “severe condemnation” for their pride and extortion.
Again, we have a teaching on humility and service to the poor. If Jesus, who is Lord, can appear before God on our behalf, should we not take our cue from this scene and these scripture readings and consider helping those less fortunate than ourselves? As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, it be great if we could feed another family who might not be able to afford the traditional dinner. Then we could bless the Lord as the psalmist does in the readings above and be like Elijah or Christ – at least for that Day? There is no need to bring them into your home, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the many food banks in the area will do that for you. Something to think about during your Prayer Time this week!
If you have questions or comments regarding the above, please send them, in writing, to the parish office. We will respond as quickly as possible.
- MFB
Sunday Commentary
Commentary on the Readings for Sunday – November 8, 2009
The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The essence of the Readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time comes from the Second Reading, the Letter to the Hebrews wherein it says: “Jesus…will appear before God on our behalf.” This places Him in the position of a Prophet or one who speaks for, or serves God in some extraordinary way. Jesus was the ultimate Prophet for He was God Himself come to earth to show mankind how to live.
The First Reading is from the First Book of Kings (17:10 – 16). In this passage, we have the story about Elijah, the first prophet to be named in the Old Testament. He was more of a ‘miracle worker’ than one of the later literary prophets and he served God during the reign of the evil king Ahab (c. 850 BC). Elijah worked among the people of the northern kingdom trying to get them to return to the teachings of Moses and be faithful to God. In this brief story, Elijah meets a woman gathering wood for a fire. He is hungry and because he lived and survived on charity he asked the woman for water and bread (hearth-cake). The woman was on the verge of starvation, but because she knew he was a holy man she did as he requested and was rewarded with food for a full year until the rains came again and a new harvest made food available.
The Responsorial Psalm is (146:7 – 10). In this portion of a much longer Psalm, the psalmist gives praise to God and enumerates many of the blessings God has bestowed on mankind – looking after the needs of His creation. God will do the same for us if we come to Him in need, asking for His help and mercy. God blesses those who are sincerely humble in His presence.
The Second Reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews (9:24 – 28). The writer of Hebrews is telling us that Jesus, as the eternal ‘high-priest’ before God, offered Himself as ransom for all mankind. Further, because He is eternal, unlike the high-priests of ancient Israel, His offering is also eternal. Therefore, when He comes again, it will not be for the purpose of offering sacrifice for sin, but to bring salvation to the faithful.
The Gospel Reading is taken from the Gospel of Mark (12:38 – 44). In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and apostles and pointing out the error of the ways of the Scribes who were the educated and official interpreters of The Law. They exaggerated their position and power, especially over the poor and widows, just the opposite of Elijah in the First Reading. Jesus points this out and predicts that they will receive a “severe condemnation” for their pride and extortion.
Again, we have a teaching on humility and service to the poor. If Jesus, who is Lord, can appear before God on our behalf, should we not take our cue from this scene and these scripture readings and consider helping those less fortunate than ourselves? As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, it be great if we could feed another family who might not be able to afford the traditional dinner. Then we could bless the Lord as the psalmist does in the readings above and be like Elijah or Christ – at least for that Day? There is no need to bring them into your home, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the many food banks in the area will do that for you. Something to think about during your Prayer Time this week!
If you have questions or comments regarding the above, please send them, in writing, to the parish office. We will respond as quickly as possible.
- MFB