Word for the Weekend: November 4

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This weekend brings us to the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time and when you consider that there are only 34 Sundays in OT then you know that Advent is just around the corner!

At the heart of this Sunday's scriptures is the ancient Jewish prayer, the Sh'ma.

It appears in the first lesson (Deuteronomy) and also in Numbers 15.   Then in today's gospel (Mark), Jesus quotes the prayer in its entirety.

Here's the Sh'ma in song and in transliterated Hebrew:

Sh'ma Yis'ra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad. Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.

Barukh sheim k'vod malkhuto l'olam va'ed. Blessed be the Name of His glorious kingdom  for ever and ever.

The second lesson is another installment in a series of readings from the Letter to the Hebrews, contrasting the ministry of the levitical priests with the priestly ministry of Jesus who is the high priest.  Look here for the texts of the readings and brief and instructive commentary on them.  Bringing children to Mass with you?  Look here for hints on helping children prepare to hear the Word.  Tweet       Subscribe to A Concord Pastor Comments