God’s kingdom Daniel 7:2–14; Psalm 3:75–81; Luke 21:29–33 The vision in Daniel 7 foretells the establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom through the Messiah and offers a prophetic overview of world empires. The figure known as the “Son of Man,” identified as Jesus in the New Testament, is central to the vision and symbolizes the ultimate […]
Monthly Archives: November 2023
ST. ANDREW Romans 10:9–18; Psalm 19; Matthew 4:18–22 Today’s gospel speaks about Jesus invitation and the immediate response of the disciples. Jesus invites Simon Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen, to follow Him. They left their fishing nets and followed him without hesitation. As disciples, let us stay with him, follow him, and be his […]
Daniel’s interpretation Daniel 2:31–45; Psalm 3:57–61; Luke 21:5–11 Daniel 2:31–45 is a narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s interpretation of it. Daniel explains that the dream underscores the rise and fall of earthly powers and the temporary nature of human empires. Therefore, in the face of the uncertainties and upheavals, let us have hope […]
Our Appetite Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Psalm 3:52–56; Luke 21:1-4 In the first reading, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon imposed his own religion on the Isrealites, and through Ashpenaz, his chief chamberlain, he got some men of Judah—Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—to be cultured for service in his palace. These men resolved not to defile themselves with […]
Christ, the King of the Universe EZEKIEL 34:11-12, 15-17; PSALM 22; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46 Today is the last Sunday of the liturgical year—the calendar of the church. On this Sunday, we celebrate the solemnity of Christ, the King of the Universe. a festival celebrated in honor of Jesus Christ as lord over […]
THE REVOLT (PART 3) 1 Maccabees 6:1–13; Psalm 9; Luke 20:27–40 The events surrounding King Antiochus IV Epiphanes and his military expeditions are given to us in the first reading. This addresses the issues of his military campaigns. Due to military difficulties, Antiochus IV makes the decision to go back to Persia in order to […]
The Revolt (2) 1Maccabees 4:36–37, 52–59; Psalm 1 Chronicles 29:10–12; Luke 19:45–48 The first reading presents us with the victory of Judas Maccabeus and his followers over the pagan king and how they were organized for the cleansing and re-dedication of the temple for sacred use and worship. Again, they decided to take additional precautions […]
The Revolt 1 Maccabees 2:15-29; Psalm 50; Luke 19:41–44 The first reading tells us of the revolt against the notorious pagan king Antiochus and his servants. Mattathias masterminded this revolt by protecting the integrity of the sacred places and attacking intruders who would want to profane such places with their pagan rites. Beloved, we can […]
The Martyrdom of Seven Brothers 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20–31; Psalm 17; Luke 19:11–28 The first reading presents us with the martyrdom of seven sons and their mother on account of their refusal to perform the rites declared by the pagan king. They stood their ground, regardless of death penalty. Are there Christians who can still […]
2Macc 6:18-31/ Ps. 3/ Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus In today’s gospel, we find the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who climbs a tree to see Jesus. Zacchaeus’s zeal to see Jesus despite his short stature shows that our physical disabilities are not obstacles to the faith. Anyone, regardless of their circumstance, can seek and find […]