Reflections on the Daily Readings 22nd November 2021
Monday 22nd November
Memorial Of Cecilia, Martyr
Sing out your life
Saint Cecilia is the patron of music and musicians—because as she was wed against her wishes to a nobleman of no particular faith, she sang in her heart to God. (Her husband ended up becoming Christian and both were martyred by the Romans.) Her patronage of music has created an immense legacy as musical institutions all over the world are named after her, and concerts and festivals are held today on her feast day—all because of a sweet, simple, silent song of fidelity to the Lord. You may not be blessed with musical talent, but God loves to hear your heart-song nonetheless.
Today's readings: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Luke 21:1-4
“I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest.”
Tuesday 23rd November
Memorial Of Columban, Abbot
Take the gospel everywhere
After years of studying scripture in an Irish monastery, Saint Columban sought permission at age 40 to depart for Europe with a boatload of companions. Their mission: to preach the gospel everywhere they went, proclaiming Christ after barbarian invasions collapsed the Western Roman Empire. Pray some of Columban’s eloquent words to begin your day: “Lord, may everything we do this day begin with your blessing and continue with your help. May everything we say this day begin with your love and continue with your grace. May everything we plan this day begin with your inspiration and continue with your peace.”
Today's readings: Daniel 2:31-45; Luke 21:5-1
“The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed.”
Wednesday 24th November
Memorial Of Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, And Companions, Martyrs
Make me an instrument of your peace
The Catholic church has a long and complex history in Vietnam, going back to the first European missionaries in the 15th century. Over the centuries, church-state intrigue and foreign colonial interests competed with genuine pastoral work, and Catholic missionaries often were caught in the crossfire. The martyrs remembered today suffered during a particularly difficult period when Catholic families were broken apart and some were branded on the forehead with the Vietnamese words for “ false religion.” Church-state relations have gradually improved in recent decades as wounds from the past heal. May we all learn the lessons history offers, so that our witness may be a reconciling one.
Today's readings: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Luke 21:12-1
“I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute."
Thursday 25th November
Memorial Of Catherine Of Alexandria, Martyr;
Attitude of gratitude
Truth will out. As we give thanks this day for blessings in our lives, let’s treasure the gift of faith, of truth. Little is known of the life of Catherine of Alexandria, whose memorial is today—perhaps not surprising given she was born quite early in Christian history, around 287. Nonetheless, the legends surrounding this early saint demonstrate her persistence in sharing the truth of her faith in Christ. Roman authorities expended great energy in killing those she converted and finally in killing her, but her truth, the Christian gospel, still shines brightly. Let’s give thanks for it.
Today's readings: Daniel 6:12-28; Luke 21:20-28
“When these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
Friday 26th November
The source of our “inspo”
The Bible has been and continues to be a treasure of inspiration (or "inspo" to the younger set), guiding us through the difficult, ordinary, and joyful moments of everyday life. Instead of tweets, there are verses; instead of hashtags, there are the great biblical themes of creation, love, mercy, and faithfulness. #awesome Even better than tweets and hashtags, however, is the fact that inspo for Christians is not just a feel-good motivation; it is also a real-time experience of God. God inspires—“in-spirits”—us. God breathes God’s very spirit with us. What does or could this inspo mean for you today?
Today's readings: Daniel 7:2-14; Luke 21:29-33
“Know that the Kingdom of God is near.”
Saturday 27th November
Every day a new challenge
Seems lately that every day is D-Day: division, disease, disaster. The news can be overwhelming, and the temptation, which Jesus warned against, is to pull the covers over our heads and sleepwalk through life. Call on the courageous example of Mary, who faced challenges few of us can imagine as she carried out her mission and trusted the Word living within her. We share in that mission to bring God into the world. Trust and stay strong in the storm!
Today's readings: Daniel 7:15-27; Luke 21:34-36 Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy . . . . Be vigilant at all times.’ ”
