31st Sunday of the Year (c)
This Week’s Liturgy Calendar.
Ordinary Season of the Year. (c)
Weekdays – Year 1
Sunday 3rd November: 31st Sunday of the Year. (c)
The first reading is from the Book of Wisdom. The theme is God’s power and mercy. Because of his love for the whole of creation, His compassion towards us is infinite.
The second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. Paul prays that God will make them worthy of his call and keep them committed to the new life of Christ. He urges them to live at peace and allow the Lord to bring to completion his goodness in them.
The Gospel tells how, crowded out by so many people, Zacchaeus finds a space so that he can see Jesus and then when Jesus sees his efforts, Zacchaeus’ life is turned upside down. He sees the error of his ways and resolves to change.
Monday 4th November: Feast of St. Charles Borromeo.
Charles was born in Arona, near Lake Maggiore in Italy. At the age of 21 he graduated with degrees in both civil and Canon Law. He was ordained a priest at the age of 24 and then called to Rome to serve in the Vatican. He was created a Cardinal and became Archbishop of Milan. He played a major part in the final session of the Council of Trent in 1562. He made many enemies as a result of his condemnation of the abuses within the Roman curia. However, in Milan, he established seminaries (which was a major innovation), personally preached and catechised everywhere, gave to the poor and cared for the sick. He died, worn out by his efforts, in 1584 at the age of 46.
Tuesday 5th November: Tuesday of 31st week of the year.
The last part of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans is full of practical advice. He stresses the new law founded on Christ is to be the driving force of their lives, not the old law. He highlights the different gifts of each person and how they must be used to bring the whole Body of Christ together. Sincerity must be the base line for all to work from.
Jesus is highlighting how his message for all. He tells the parable of those who found excuses not to follow him and how their places were taken by those considered by the Jews to be unworthy.
Wednesday 6th November: Wednesday of 31st week of the year.
Paul stresses how the new law builds on and incorporates the old law. Lovuing neighbour means loving everyone, not just fellow Jews.
Jesus stresses the need for commitment if you are to be a true disciple. There can be no turning back.
Thursday 7th November: Thursday of the 31st week of the year.
The Christian should not look down others with contempt or dismiss them. Judgement should never be passed on anyone since we all have to stand before God and be judged.
The parable of the lost sheep and the lost money highlights how God seeks out the sinner to welcome them back. We should be doing the same.
Friday 8th November: Memorial of Blessed John Duns Scotus.
John Duns Scotus was born in Duns, Berwickshire in 1265. He was a frequent visitor to the Cistercian Abbey at Melrose as he grew up. When he was fifteen, he entered the Franciscan novitiate at Dumfries before finally being ordained in 1291. He then began a series of journeys between England and France to further his studies. He taught in Oxford and Cambridge for about four years before returning to Paris where he came to be called the ‘Marian Doctor’ after defending what is now known as the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. He did this in spite of opposition from the academic body of Paris University He was sent then to Cologne where he lectured until his death in 1308. His tomb is in Cologne Cathedral. He was beatified in 1992 by Pope John Paul. He is the patron of the National Seminary in Scotland.
Saturday 9th November: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran basilica.
This is the Cathedral church of Rome where the Pope has a permanent ‘cathedra’ or throne. It has a long history going back to the Emperor Constantine and is dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour. In celebrating the anniversary of its dedication, we proclaim our union with and love for the church of Rome – the ‘mother and head of all the churches.’
We pray that the prayers of all the saints will bring us your forgiveness and love.
We praise you O God and honour all your holy ones.
We ask the help of those men, women and children who struggled against evil and
stood firm,
who loved and served one another,
who worked for justice and peace,
who healed the sick and fed the hungry,
who preached the Good News in season and out of season,
who suffered and died for you.
Make us and all those we love worthy to be called your saints.
Eternal Rest
Grant unto them
O Lord
And
Let perpetual light
shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.