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.’ ”