Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 20, 2019
First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7.1, 20-31
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Psalm 17
1Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer- it does not rise from deceitful lips.2May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.3Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.4As for the deeds of men- by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.5My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.6I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.7Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.8Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings9from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.10They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.11They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.12They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover.13Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword.14O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.15And I-in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
Gospel: Luke 19.11-28
11While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.12He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.13So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'14"But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'15"He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.16"The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'17"'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'18"The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.'19"His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'20"Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth.21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'22"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'24"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'25"'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'26"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.27But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them--bring them here and kill them in front of me.'"28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful stories that challenge us to reflect on faith, courage, and the responsible use of the gifts we have been given. The first reading from 2 Maccabees tells the story of a mother and her seven sons who endure immense suffering rather than betray their faith. Despite the brutal torture and death of her children, the mother remains steadfast, trusting in God’s promise of resurrection. Her courage is rooted in her deep faith and her belief that life does not end with death. The second reading, a parable from Luke’s Gospel, shifts our focus to the theme of stewardship. Jesus tells the story of a nobleman who entrusts his servants with resources before departing to claim his kingdom. Upon his return, he holds them accountable for how they used what was given to them. Those who were faithful and fruitful are rewarded, while the one who buried his gift out of fear is condemned.
These readings are connected by the common thread of trust in God and the call to live faithfully in light of that trust. The mother in Maccabees trusts that God will restore life to her sons, and the servants in the parable are called to trust their master’s generosity and use their gifts wisely. Both stories remind us that our lives are not our own, and that we are called to live in a way that reflects our ultimate allegiance to God. The mother’s courage and the parable’s emphasis on accountability invite us to examine how we are using the time, talents, and resources we have been given.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we living with the kind of faith and courage that the mother and the faithful servants exemplify? Are we using the gifts we have been given to build up the Kingdom of God, or are we allowing fear or complacency to hold us back? The mother’s trust in God’s promise of resurrection reminds us that our ultimate hope is not in this life but in the life to come. At the same time, the parable challenges us to be faithful stewards of what we have been given, knowing that one day we will be called to account for how we lived. May we strive to live with courage, trust, and fidelity, using our lives to glorify God and to serve others.