Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 22, 2023
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 powerful themes of faithfulness, responsibility, and trust in God's plan. The first reading from 2 Maccabees tells the story of a mother and her seven sons who endure torture rather than renounce their faith. Despite the brutal circumstances, the mother's unwavering faith and trust in God's promise of resurrection inspire her sons to remain loyal to their beliefs. This narrative highlights the strength of conviction and the hope of eternal life that sustains believers in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from Luke presents a parable about a nobleman who entrusts his servants with resources before departing to claim his kingdom. Upon his return, he evaluates their stewardship, rewarding those who multiplied their resources and punishing the one who failed to act. This parable emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of the gifts and talents God has entrusted to us. It also underscores the consequences of fear and inaction, contrasting with the nobleman's harsh dealings with those who reject his authority.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on faithfulness and trust in God. The mother in 2 Maccabees exemplifies trust in God's plan, even in suffering, while the parable in Luke calls us to responsibly use the gifts we've been given. In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to remain faithful, whether facing trials or managing our talents. They remind us that our actions have consequences and that trusting in God's plan, even when uncertain, is essential. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, trusting in God's providence and living with hope and courage.