Reflections on the Daily Readings 7th November 2022
Monday 7th November
Until we rest in You
National Vocation Awareness Week runs annually the first full week of November (this year, Nov. 6-12) to promote vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to pray and support those who are considering these vocations. Have you ever thought about a vocation to religious life? Do you know someone who could use help discerning such a vocation? Take some time this week to visit Vision Vocation Network for resources to help you discern your path, including a calendar of discernment events, a “Vocation Match” tool to find religious communities, and a treasure trove of helpful articles.
This year’s theme: “Pathways for a restless heart.” Does that speak to you?
Today's readings: Titus 1:1-9; Luke 17:1-6 (491).
“And the Apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’”
Tuesday 8th November
A day to vote your values
“When it comes to labor and politics, I am inclined to be sympathetic to the left, but when it comes to the Catholic Church, then I am far to the right.” So said Dorothy Day—born this day 125 years ago—voicing the struggle many U.S. Catholics feel on Election Day. Though Day, born in 1897, was a suffragette, arrested for demanding that women get to vote, she never voted in her lifetime once women finally got the right in 1920. Her reasons were complicated. But the U.S. Catholic bishops offer guidance for all who wonder about the worth of their vote, insisting that “participation in political life is a moral obligation.”
Today's readings: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14; Luke 17:7-10 (492).
“We have done what we were obliged to do.”
Wednesday 9th November
Build your vocation steeped in love
For nearly a millennium, the Catholic Church has marked on this day the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, so named for the hill upon which it sits just east of the Colosseum in Rome. The cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, it is the official seat of the pope (the bishop of Rome) and is dedicated to both of the New Testament’s two most famous Johns: the Baptist and the Apostle. At this halfway point of National Vocation Awareness Week, consider the far-reaching impact of these servants honored in the Catholic Church’s highest-ranking edifice. Let’s dedicate ourselves as they did to spreading the Good News of love, and through our own holy vocations attain our heavenly reward!
FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA
Today's readings: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22 (671).
“His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me.”
Thursday 10th November
Make peace with your vocation
Saint Leo the Great is one of the few popes remembered as the “Great.” This accomplished preacher and writer was also such a skilled diplomat that he convinced Attila the Hun to spare Rome from attack in 452 and later kept a plundering Vandal army from burning the city. We recognize Saint Leo during National Vocation Awareness Week, a time to recall that God has called us each by name to love and serve in our own way. Saint Leo used his gifts to uplift Christ. How do you use yours? Sharing God's peace is a good place to start.
MEMORIAL OF LEO THE GREAT, POPE, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Today's readings: Philemon 7-20; Luke 17:20-25 (494).
“For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”
Friday 11th November
Holiness cut to fit
Humility and generosity are the key attributes associated with many saints, and fourth-century Saint Martin of Tours is no exception. While on patrol in Gaul as a soldier in the Roman Army, it is said that Martin took pity on a half-naked beggar by cutting his officer’s cloak in half and sharing it with the shivering man. The incident is immortalized in Christian art and iconography throughout Europe and became a defining image of what it means to be Christian. Martin took to heart the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of these least of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:45). In Martin’s honor, extend your compassion beyond your comfort zone today.
MEMORIAL OF MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP
Today's readings: 2 John 4-9; Luke 17:26-37 (495).
“For this is love, that we walk according to his commandments.”
Saturday 12th November
Seek unity where possible
For the first thousand years Christianity was one big, mostly happy family. But for a number of reasons the church was divided in the Great Schism of 1054. Saint Josaphat (c.1580-1623) was a Catholic bishop trying to reunite the Eastern Church with Rome. But, alas, he was a little heavy-handed. When he discovered a priest in his diocese was celebrating Mass according to the Byzantine practice, he had him arrested and thrown in jail. This angered a mob of unruly citizens who attacked and violently dispatched Josaphat, tossing his body in a river. We can honor his good intentions today, while perhaps choosing another approach to unity. Pray we unite in those things that matter most.
MEMORIAL OF JOSAPHAT, BISHOP, MARTYR
Today's readings: 3 John 5-8; Luke 18:1-8 (496).
“I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.”
