DAILY- HOMILY

November 28, 2018 – WEDNESDAY, 34TH Week in Ordinary Time

St. Catherine Laboure, Religious

Green.

Rv 15: 1 - 4 / Lk 21: 12- 19

St. Catherine Laboure (1806 - 1879), a nun of the Daughters of Charity, had apparitions of Our Lady in 1830 at their motherhouse in Paris.

FROM THE 1ST READING:             Rv 15: 3- 4

They sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord, God and Master of the universe. Justice and truth guide your steps, O King of the nations. Lord, who will not give honor and glory to your Name? For you alone are holy All the nations will come and bow before your, for they have now seen your judgments.

GOSPEL READING:           Lk 21: 12 -19

Jesus said, "Before all this happens, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the Jewish courts and put in prison, and for my sake, you will be brought before kings and governors. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

"So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to answer, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.

"You will be betrayed even by parents, and brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. But even though you are hated by all for my name's sake, not a hair of your head will perish. Through perseverance you will posses your own selves."

REFLECTION

In the first reading we see God in glory praised and worshipped by the heavenly hosts.

In the Gospel reading Jesus warns his followers that they would be persecuted and suffer because of their faith in him. But he assures them of his guidance and protection.

Jesus speaks of trials and persecutions as an "opportunity to bear witness." At the same time he gives his followers assurance, "Do not worry in advance." In the midst of great difficulties and challenges, Jesus gives us comfort and hope, "Not a hair of your head will perish. Through perseverance you will possess your own selves."

Indeed throughout the two millennia since Christ, beginning with the Holy Innocents and the deacon St. Stephen, many have heroically given their lives in witness to their belief and love of Christ and his Church.

Today's chaotic world mirrors Jesus' ominous predictions. Persecution, distrust and hate proliferate among peoples and nations. We live in confusion and uncertainty. Justice and equality are at risk among so many.

But we trust in Jesus' words as his followers have done so through two millennia. We continue to look for opportunities to bear witness and stand for truth. We continue to trust in Christ's promise and support.

How strong is our faith in Christ? Are we firm in believing in his promise of redemption despite so many trials and dark times? Are we able to persevere through adversity to find ourselves?

Have a good day!

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