Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 22, 2017
First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7.1, 20-31
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Psalm 17
1Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.2Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.3Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.4Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.5Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.6I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.7Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.8Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,9From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.10They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.11They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;12Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.13Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:14From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Gospel: Luke 19.11-28
11And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.14But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.15And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:21For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.22And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:23Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?24And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.25And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)26For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.28And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faithfulness and trust in God. The first reading from 2 Maccabees tells the story of a mother and her seven sons who face martyrdom rather than renounce their faith. Their courage in the face of death is a testament to their unwavering trust in God's promise of eternal life. The mother's exhortation to her sons to remain faithful, even as they endure suffering, underscores the strength of their conviction and hope in God's mercy.
The Gospel from Luke presents a parable that complements this theme. Jesus tells the story of a nobleman who entrusts his servants with resources and expects them to be fruitful in his absence. The servants who invest and multiply the resources are rewarded, while the one who hides the money out of fear is reprimanded. This parable emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards and not letting fear dictate our actions. The nobleman's harsh treatment of his enemies serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and we are called to align our will with God's kingdom.
Both readings encourage us to reflect on our own faithfulness. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's providence, just as the mother and her sons did. Whether we face significant challenges or everyday responsibilities, we are invited to act with courage and faith. The parable reminds us that our actions should reflect our trust in God, and we should not let fear prevent us from living out our faith. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, trusting in God's plan and living with hope and courage, even in the face of uncertainty.