Sunday, November 17, 2013. 

Today's Liturgical Reading by Daily Flash, Goa. 

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Day of Mass Media Apostolate. 

Malachi 3:19-20; Psalm 97[98]:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Gospel : Luke 21:5-19. [Please share today's Gospel with family, friends/neighbors.]

Focus:  ‘… an example to imitate’ (2 Thessalonians 3:9).

A father instructs his son: “Tell them I am not at home,” even though he is; or boasts, “I made a profit today, the salesman erroneously billed me Rs. 100/- less!” or abuses his wife and belittles her in public. The same father wonders why his son lies, cheats, steals and shows women scant respect.

In the second reading, St. Paul, warning against idleness, wants to emphasize the importance of giving a good example (Focus).

Jesus himself set an example of compassion: He healed the sick, fed thousands of hungry people and restored a widow’s only son to life. He was sensitive: He physically touched the ostracized leper who had suffered deep rejection (Mathew 8:3). He listened to the cry of the blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:47). He spoke out against wrongdoing (see ‘Woes’ – Mathew 23:13ff). In Zacchaeus He sought the unloved of society. He showed true friendship by accepting Peter despite his denials. He often spent the night in prayer. He had respect for women’s dignity, as seen in His dealing with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1ff). His was an unceasing ministry: “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Luke 9:58). He forgave those who tortured and crucified Him (Luke 23:34). His ultimate sacrifice of love was His passion and death.

Fruit:  What sort of example do I set where I am placed? Am I aware that others can imitate my example – good or bad?