Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 17, 2024
First Reading: Daniel 12.1-3
1"But at that time Michael will rise up, the great leader, who stands up for the sons of your people. And a time will come, such as has not been from the time that nations began, even until that time. And, at that time, your people will be saved, all who will be found written in the book2And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awaken: some to everlasting life, and others to a reproach that they will always see3But those who have taught will shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who instruct many towards justice, like the stars for unending eternity
Psalm 16
1The inscription of a title: of David himself. Preserve me, O Lord, because I have hoped in you2I have said to the Lord: "You are my God, so you have no need of my goodness.3As for the saints, who are in his land: he has made all my desires wonderful in them4Their infirmities have been multiplied; after this, they acted more quickly. I will not gather for their convocations of blood, nor will I remember their names with my lips5The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup. It is you who will restore my inheritance to me6The lots have fallen upon me with clarity. And, indeed, my inheritance has been very clear to me7I will bless the Lord, who has bestowed understanding upon me. Moreover, my temperament has also corrected me, even through the night8I have made provision for the Lord always in my sight. For he is at my right hand, so that I may not be disturbed9Because of this, my heart has been joyful, and my tongue has exulted. Moreover, even my body will rest in hope10For you will not abandon my soul to Hell, nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption11You have made known to me the ways of life; you will fill me with joy by your countenance. At your right hand are delights, even to the end
Second Reading: Hebrews 10.11-14, 18
11And certainly, every priest stands by, ministering daily, and frequently offering the same sacrifices, which are never able to take away sins12But this man, offering one sacrifice for sins, sits at the right hand of God forever13awaiting that time when his enemies will be made his footstool14For, by one oblation, he has brought to fulfillment, for all time, those who are sanctified18Now, when there is a remission of these things, there is no longer an oblation for sin
Gospel: Mark 13.24-32
24But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her splendor25And the stars of heaven will be falling down, and the powers that are in heaven will be moved26And then they shall see the Son of man arriving on the clouds, with great power and glory27And then he will send his Angels, and gather together his elect, from the four winds, from the limits of the earth, to the limits of heaven28Now from the fig tree discern a parable. When its branch becomes tender and the foliage has been formed, you know that summer is very near29So also, when you will have seen these things happen, know that it is very near, even at the doors30Amen I say to you, that this lineage shall not pass away, until all these things have happened31Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away32But concerning that day or hour, no one knows, neither the Angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through themes of faith, preparation, and the ultimate triumph of God's plan. The Book of Daniel paints a vivid picture of the end times, where the archangel Michael leads the faithful through a period of great distress. It emphasizes that those whose names are written in the book will be saved, highlighting the importance of steadfast faith and the role of teachers who guide others towards righteousness, shining like stars in eternity.
The Letter to the Hebrews contrasts the endless sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice, once offered, achieves eternal redemption, underscoring the completeness and sufficiency of His work. This reading invites us to reflect on the profound grace offered through Christ, freeing us from the cycle of sin and sacrifice.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus describes His glorious return, urging us to be vigilant and attentive to the signs of the times, much like recognizing the budding of a fig tree. He reminds us that while the exact timing of His return is unknown, His words endure eternally. This calls us to live each day with purpose, nurturing our faith, and sharing the Good News with others.
As we reflect on these readings, let us embrace a life of preparedness and trust in God's timing. May we remain faithful, teach others with love, and trust in the eternal power of Christ's sacrifice. Let us live each day mindful of God's presence, ready to meet Him, and steadfast in our commitment to His will.