Persevere Until God’s Coming

Readings for Sunday, November 17 — Thirty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Malachi 3:19-20A; Psalm 98:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19

Suggested Reflection Questions:

  • Today’s psalm rejoices in both God’s reign of earthly justice among us and the coming reign of God that will cause creation to shout for joy. What does it mean that God dwells among us and yet is still to come?
  • At the end of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he addresses a specific pastoral concern. A false letter has surfaced purportedly written by Paul that instructs the faithful to stop their daily work because the Lord is coming very soon. Paul exhorts them to follow his example by committing themselves to hard work and not being busybodies. Why does Paul encourage his fellow Christians to work diligently? How does this apply to contemporary believers?
  • In Luke’s Gospel, the disciples are anxious to know what signs will be given to indicate the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. He speaks of wars, plagues, and famines but he also tells them that they will be turned over to the authorities for proclaiming the gospel. By their perseverance, he assures them, they will secure their lives. What does Jesus mean by “secure your lives?” How are we asked to persevere as people living the gospel message in today’s world?