10/19/10

Word for the Weekend: Luke 18:9-14

Image: Cerezo Barredo

If you have an eye on the liturgical calendar and its progress, you know that this coming weekend's 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time brings us within striking distance of the end of the liturgical year on the Solemnity of Christ the King, the 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The week after that is Advent 2011 and the beginning of a new liturgical year!

Sunday's gospel from Luke offers us the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector.  (When I was a child, this was the tale of the Pharisee and the publican.  To refresh your memory of this story and to peruse the day's others scriptures, check here for the texts and commentary on them.  (Are you the chauffeur for some young folks this Sunday?  Check here for hints on helping boys and girls prepare to hear the Lord's Word.)

The first reading, from Sirach, offers us a collection of sayings on how kindly the Lord looks upon those who are scorned and put down by others.  Looks like the Pharisee in the gospel skipped over this portion of Sirach when studying his scriptures!

In the Second Letter to Timothy, our second reading, Paul is at the end of his days and taking account of those who abandoned him and the One who has never forgotten him.  Knowing that he has competed well, finished the race and kept the faith, Paul's trust and hope are a model for all of us in our own trials and tribulations.

Shall I write these words yet another time?  Yes!  The best way to prepare to celebrate Mass on the Lord's Day is to peruse and ponder the scriptures we'll hear on Sunday.  Those texts (and commentary on them) are but a click away - what are you waiting for? 


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1 comment:

  1. I'd like to thank you for directing your readers to the Readings for Adults, and children. I've book marked the site. It's very very informative. My favorite is the cultural history commentary by John Pilch. I find it all so interesting. thank you

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