Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 6, 2022
First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7.1-2, 7, 9-14
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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.
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2.16 – 3.5
1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Gospel: Luke 20.27, 34-38
27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,34And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.38For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful reflections on faith, hope, and the promise of eternal life. The first reading from 2 Maccabees narrates the courageous story of seven brothers and their mother who endure brutal torture rather than betray their faith. Their unwavering belief in the resurrection gives them the strength to face death, trusting that God will raise them to eternal life. This story highlights the profound trust in God's promise even in the face of extreme adversity.
The second reading from 2 Thessalonians offers a prayer for strength and perseverance, encouraging the community to remain faithful despite challenges. It reminds us that while not everyone may remain faithful, God is always faithful, providing the strength needed to live according to His will. This reading complements the first by emphasizing the importance of steadfastness in faith, a theme that is central to both.
In the Gospel, Jesus engages with the Sadducees, who question the concept of resurrection. Jesus explains that life after resurrection is beyond earthly bonds like marriage, resembling the angels and being children of God. He affirms that God is the God of the living, not the dead, reinforcing the reality of eternal life. This teaching ties together the themes of resurrection and trust in God's plan.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith and hope. In our daily lives, we face various trials, but the promise of resurrection reminds us that our struggles are temporary. We are called to trust in God's eternal plan, just as the Maccabean brothers did, and to remain steadfast in our faith, as encouraged by Paul. Let us hold onto this hope, knowing that our true home is with God, where we will live in eternal joy and peace.