Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - C - November 17, 2019

It’s Not What It Seems

Have you ever been fooled by appearances? I have (plenty of times). What seems lasting is not. What seems sure is uncertain. We might look at our world and presume everything will carry on, only to see our world turned upside down. What gets us through the uncertain times? Jesus gives us the answer: faith.

Sunday Studies

FIRST READING Malachi 3 drew a sharp line between the saved and the condemned. That line was honor given to YHWH.

PSALM Psalm 98 is a perfect example of contagious praise, a song that praises God and encourages others to do the same.

SECOND READING 2 Thessalonians addressed the question of want vs. need. We are to help those in need and show those in want the limits of charity.

GOSPEL In Luke 21, Jesus chided his followers for their awe over the Temple. He used that moment to teach his followers about the end times.

Other Resources:

DAILY READINGS for the Thirty Second Week in Ordinary Time.

CHILDREN’S READINGS In the story for the first reading, James had head smarts but not heart smarts. He stole money and bragged about it. He couldn’t see the need the poor had for the money was greater than his need. Malachi’s words of judgment were for people like James. In the story for the gospel, Judy and Noelle were surprised by an oral quiz. Smart Judy panicked because she was not prepared. But, average Noelle remained calm because of her preparation.

CATECHISM LINK In this week’s Catechism Link, we investigate the afterlife and the end times.

FAMILY ACTIVITY Guard your family against overreacting with a “Family Prayer Box.” Have family members write down their fears and anxieties, then place then in the box. At the end of the week, review the notes and see how God has answered them.