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In the Reading from the Book of Malachi
Mal 3:19-20
"Lo, the day is coming." The concepts of "fire" and " blazing like an oven" constitute a familiar imagery in the Bible, used to express God's wrath that punishes evildoers. The prophet issues a warning to the proud and the wicked, and he directs a word of encouragement to those who fear God's name. The figure "sun of justice" is applied in later literature to our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving. He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord hears the cry of the poor!
In the Reading, From the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians
2Thes 3:7-12
Paul had founded the Church of Thessalonica. But other preachers had come along and emphasized that "The Day of the Lord" with the second coming of Christ was at hand. Hence, many of the Thessalonians had stopped working. If everything would soon be over, why should they exert themselves? Paul tells the congregation not to be alarmed but go on working quietly.
Christians live with the tension of the " already" and "not yet." We believe in a hereafter, but meanwhile this planet is our home, and as God's partners we must make it as habitable as possible for ourselves and our fellow humans.
In the Gospel of Luke
Lk 21:5-19
Jesus had certainly predicted the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, for this prediction was used against during his final trial before the Sanhedrin. Later, however, the sayings of our Lord were expanded. As this passage now stands in Luke, it is an example of apocalyptic literature. The author interprets a present crisis (persecution, calamity, war suffering of the innocent) with the use of symbolic language9fearful omens and great signs). Have courage; soon God will definitely intervene!
Note again: "The days will come... The time has come." It is a timeless message for all of us. Be on the alert. Be honest! And when you have to suffer, remember that" by your perseverance you will secure your lives.
Newsy Notes
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Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
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CONFIRMATION SERVICE PROJECTS
Remember Nov. 13th, Confirmation Class will be held in Faith Formation Room at 11:15
Service Projects for confirmation are to be completed over the summer
and due at the September meeting after school begins again.
We have created a God is Love Service Project Handbook
that outlines the details of how to complete
this requirement for confirmation.
Service Projects can be done in a group, individually, or with family.
Click below for a copy of the God is Love Service Project Handbook:
SERVICE PROJECT GOD IS LOVE HANDBOOK
After the Project is completed, a Service Project Form
needs to be filled out and turned in at the November 13th group meeting.
Click below for a copy of the Service Project Report Form:
GROUP SERVICE PROJECT REPORT FORM
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
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