Fr. Craig’s Contemplations
 
Dear Friends,
 
For this 33^rd Week in Ordinary Time, our Lord Jesus draws from the book of the Prophet Daniel, describing the final tribulation. Yet even during the “final tribulation” we can “hold on” to the assurances of God’s mercy. So, most importantly, we are called to live in HOPE not fear. Yes, during the times of the “final tribulation” there will be “false messianic claims.” Jesus plainly states to His disciples from 2,000 years ago, and us today, to not believe such claims. Our faith teaches us, Jesus’ true coming will be absolutely unmistakable. And, it is only from our faith, that we can have the grace to be watchful. Jesus has given us Sacred Scripture, the Sacraments, our Church, and our prayer(s) which is what we will need most to endure.
 
Some scholars believe that the “final tribulation” happened in 70 AD with the destruction of the great Jewish temple. However, St. Mark hints at other levels of meaning. Jesus’ words were also fulfilled in part at His crucifixion when the sun was darkened in the middle of the day. Always remember, when reading St. Mark’s Gospel, these different levels (of meaning) are closely related. That is why we must live in HOPE not fear, as our church has always taught, Jesus (the Son of Man) will come at the end of time, and evil will be defeated once and for all.
 
In the tenth chapter from the Letter to the Hebrews, we hear the conclusion of the central teaching in the letter to the Hebrews, which provides all of us the essential teachings on Jesus’ priesthood and sacrifice. First and foremost, the writer of the letter stresses the differences between the old covenant Priesthood and Jesus as Priest.  Remember, the old covenant Priesthood, would have been the repeated Levitical sacrifices; the Priesthood of our Lord Jesus is the once-for-all-sacrifice of Christ. Jesus in the sacrifice of bread and wine, gives us the memorial sacrifice which as the Most Holy Eucharist takes away sins. The ancient Levitical sacrifice (known as the tamid) which was offered twice daily, did not take away sins. Jesus to this VERY day transmits to many the grace and power of His victory: He “lives forever to make intercession” and so is able to “help those who are being tested” – again this should evoke our inner response to live in HOPE not fear.
 
As we prepare for the great Solemnity of Jesus Christ the King, let us live in Hope!
 
May God bless you!
Fr. Craig
 


READINGS FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2021

33^rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

1^st Reading—Daniel 12: 1-3— “I, Daniel, heard this word of the Lord: ‘At that time…your people shall escape.’”

Responsorial Psalm: 16: 5, 8, 9-10, 11— “You are my inheritance, O Lord!”

2^nd Reading—Hebrews 10: 11-14, 18—“Brothers and sisters: By one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated.”

Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.” Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Gospel—Mark 13:24-32—The Son of Man will appear from heaven in power and glory. He will “gather his elect from the four winds.”



33RD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR - B 
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

1) Let us pray for the Church:
Holy Spirit, guardian of your people, fill us with the fire of love.
Help us to be vigilant in our quest to live the Gospel message.
            We pray to the Lord…

2) Let us pray for the citizens of the earth’s nations:
Ruler of the universe, as we strive to work out peace and justice,
Heal our divisions and strengthen those who will lead us. Keep those who are serving in the military in your loving protection.
We pray to the Lord…

3) Let us pray for those in the healing professions:
For all medical researchers, scientists, doctors and nurses. May their talents and compassion help those who need them most.
            We pray to the Lord…

4) Let us pray for the sick:
Through your perfect sacrifice, Lord Jesus, may the afflicted and those in pain find healing, especially --
Kirk McCoy             Marge Park             Dan Kocer              
Jody Hall                  Chuck Marteney   Colette Genovese
Herman Greif         Betty Morici           Christopher Lee   
           
And for all who have asked for our prayers.         
            We pray to the Lord…

5) Let us remember the dead:
Eternal God, do not abandon your faithful ones.  May our beloved who rest in the dust of the earth live forever, especially—
 (5:00 Mass) Edward & Mary Siring, James & Gloria Emon, Tom Rogan
(8:30 Mass) Richard Mersino, Angelo Rimi, Sofia Sirutis
(10:30 Mass) Jean Dickman
            We pray to the Lord…

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS – November 14, 2021

 

1. Right to Life Christmas Cards are available in the gathering area after all Masses this weekend.

 

2. All Thanksgiving Bueche Cards are due this Monday, November 15^th at noon. Thank you for your generosity.

 

3. Next weekend the Giving Tree will be up in the Gathering Area, please stop by and take a tag.

 

4. Our Women’s Advent Tea is Sunday, November 28^th from 2-4 p.m. if you would like to attend, please stop and sign up in the gathering area.

 

5. The quilting and craft group will meet next Saturday in Solanus Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

6. Our Children’s Christmas choir will start practicing next Sunday, November 28^th after the 10:30 Mass. All children are welcome.