Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part
Daily Marriage Tip for November 17, 2013:
Are you a skunk, a turtle, or an owl? In terms of conflict resolution, skunks just make a stink about it, often with a lot of noise. Turtles ignore or hide from the problem. Owls look the problem over, think about it, then suggest a solution. Be wise or be road kill.
Sunday Scripture Study
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C
November 17, 2013
here for USCCB readings
Opening Prayer
First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20a (or 4:1-2a)
Psalm: 98:5-9
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5-19
- As in last week’s Gospel reading, Jesus is in Jerusalem for his final Passion and has been speaking publicly in the Temple.
- This reconstructed Temple, begun under Herod the Great around 20 B.C., was completed only seven years before it was destroyed under the hand of the Romans by fire in 70 A.D. To the Jews it was virtually the center of their world and to them its destruction would be equated with the end of the world.
- After Jesus predicts the Temple’s destruction (verse 6), he retires with his disciples to the Mount of Olives (or “Olivet”) just outside Jerusalem (Matthew 24:3). They then question him as to when and how they are to know this is taking place.
- The purpose of Jesus’ words in this portion of the Olivet Discourse is not to satisfy the curiosity or as a blueprint or timetable for the “End Times,” but to protect his disciples from being discouraged and scandalized about trials and persecutions that are sure to come (verses 8-9, 34; Acts 4:3; 5:18; 8:3; 12:4; 16:23; 25:23—26:32).
QUESTIONS:
- In the first reading, the prophet Malachi (the name means “my messenger”) contrasts the fates of two kinds of people. What are these two groups? Which group are you in right now—even a little bit? What blessings will be received from moving resolutely toward the second group?
- In the second reading, St. Paul may be addressing the issue of people who think the “End Times” are so near, they have stopped working. What is wrong with this attitude?
- What prompts this lesson by Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel? What question(s) is he asked?
- What bombshell does he drop on his disciples (verse 6)? Considering how the Jews felt about the Temple, how must they have felt when they heard Jesus’ words?
- The disciples identified the destruction of the Temple with the end of the world; in this chapter, Jesus separates the events. In verses 8-19, which is he teaching about?
- What will happen to the disciples and the Church during the coming persecution (verses 10-13)? What comfort will come in the midst of these trials?
- How would you apply this passage (verses 12-19) to your present situation with relatives, friends or neighbors? How is Jesus asking you to prepare for resistance from these people? If you have ever met genuine resistance or persecution, how did you give testimony?
Closing Prayer
Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 675, 585-86, 161, 2612, 2849
When we find ourselves in some grave danger we must not lose courage but firmly trust in God, for where there is the greatest danger, there is also the greatest help from Him who wants to be called our 'Help' in times of peace and in times of tribulation. --St. Ambrose