Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": Nov. 25

November 25, 2016: Friday, 34th week, Ordinary Time

See a dozen connections with today?
Legend below

Listen

There will be signs/ Cook (gospel)

For Psalm 84

Better is one day in your courts - Psalm 84/ Silver

Better is one day/ Redman: composer-sung

Psalm 84: Blessed are they/ Celoni: sheet music

How lovely is thy dwelling place, from Ein Deutsches Requiem/ Brahms: English, German

Psalm 84: How lovely is your tabernacle/ Mui

Pope Francis homily

Today's 1st reading describes how the angel seizes the serpent, chains it up and throws it into the abyss which is then sealed. The serpent or devil, the seducer, liar, and trickster, was thrown down so he'd no longer lead nations astray. He sells; we buy and get deceived and ruined. Never converse with the devil; chase him away like Jesus did. When tempted, Jesus defended himself with the Word of God. The Lord will judge everyone according to their deeds and throw the damned into the fire. Damnation isn't a torture chamber. If you're not received into the Kingdom, it's because you haven't drawn close to the Lord; you journeyed along your own path, distancing yourselves from the Lord, walking away. Damnation is continually distancing oneself from God. A heart created to find God but that out of arrogance distances itself is the worst pain. Distancing yourself from God who loves you is the fire, but if you open your heart with humility, you'll have joy, salvation, and forgiveness. Hope opens us to encountering Jesus, who awaits us. Just be humble and say, "Lord"; he'll do the rest.

Read

'Dragon'
(Animate)

Rv 20:1-4, 11-21:2 An angel tied up the dragon, Satan, and threw it into the abyss so it could no longer lead nations astray. I saw thrones with those seated entrusted with judgment. Those beheaded for their witness to Jesus came to life and reigned with Christ. I saw a white throne and one seated on it. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as written in the scrolls; anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into fire. I saw a new heaven and new earth; I also saw the holy city coming out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Ps 84:3-6a, 8a "Here God lives among his people." I yearn for the living God. Blessed they who dwell in your house!

Lk 21:29-33 “When trees' buds open, you know summer is near; similarly, when you see these things happening, know the Kingdom is near. This generation will not pass away until all this has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but not my words.”

Reflect

One Bread, One Body: "By the book": At the Last Judgment, you hope the Lord finds you in the book of the living. Your actions are written there: your sins, and when you trusted God. Whenever you repented, your sins were blotted out; you're invited to share your Master's joy....

Grow your own fig tree

Passionist: "Proof is in the pudding": When Jesus comments on the poor widow's contribution, he's not necessarily commending her imprudent action but rather condemning a policy that requires or expects such giving. Then Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple, signs of the end, persecution, tribulation, and he exhorts vigilance. Today’s fig tree lesson is sandwiched here. Jesus' spirituality is "disruptive" (McLaren). He “cleanses the temple,” overturning not merely the tables but the entire religious institution, saying temple will be destroyed and replaced by another, living one. Then Jesus continues his disruption language, telling Nicodemus he needs to be born again and telling a Samaritan woman that our attitude matters more than where we worship....

DailyScripture.net: "My words won't pass away": Jesus used the fig tree to teach about reading the signs of the times. The fig tree bore fruit in autumn and early spring. As signs of a changing season are evident, so too are the signs of God's kingdom and his return. The kingdom's 'budding' starts in those receptive to God's word, who will bear the kingdom's fruit of justice, peace, and joy in the Spirit. The Lord gives us signs, not only to warn us but also to rouse us to be ready to receive his kingdom. The "Day of the Lord" will be a day of rejoicing for those who long to see the Lord. The Lord Jesus wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation. While we wait for his physical return, we can know his presence through the Holy Spirit. The Lord comes to those who long for him, speaks tenderly to us, shows us the way to our Father, and gives us hope.