The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 21, 2001
The Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Read more: http://www.christdesert.org/public_texts/martyrology/
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Maccabees 7:1,20-31
Psalm 17:1,5-6,8,15
Luke 19:11-28
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
Lately, we've heard quite a bit about heros. The accounts are always
inspiring and make us pause in admiration of the human spirit that
rises to extraordinary heights in service to others.
Today in Macabees we hear about the heroic mother and her heroic
seven sons who, rather than denounce God and his commands, willingly
submitted to terrible death. Of note, is the mother who lovingly
exhorts her sons, even though it means their sure and certain death.
In doing so she reminds us of the absolute necessity of setting a
good example for our children and indeed for all who may ever have
occasion to be influenced by our words and actions.
In saying this we also recognize that without a power greater than
ourselves, we'll never be able to accomplish such heroic deeds. Only
by the grace of our omnipotent and merciful God do we have faith that
such a god will not disappoint us. Only He who is called faithful is
worthy of the hope which spurs us to acts of love beyond what seems
to be our nature.
On this memorial feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I'm reminded of
St. Maximilian Kolbe who had great devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Accounts of his life tell of his great fear of suffering until that
awesome moment in history when he was called to do just that! With
courage beyond his expectation he did what was, to him, unthinkable
-- he gave his life out of love for another person. May all examples
of such heroic love never fail to nurture us, so that in the small
and great moments of our lives, we may remain steadfast in imitation
of Christ, who promised us the reward of everlasting life.
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
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