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Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Thursday November 21, 2024

Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years.

  • First Reading (Cycle 1) - 1 Maccabees 2:15-29: Mattathias, refusing to obey the king's command to abandon his faith, kills a Jew complying with pagan sacrifice and the king's messenger, sparking a zealous revolt for religious freedom.
  • First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 5:1-10: John sees a sealed scroll in heaven, opened only by the victorious Lamb, symbolizing Jesus. This act prompts worship and recognition of His sacrifice redeeming all nations.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 50: God summons the earth, declaring His justice from Zion. He calls His faithful, judging righteously, and urges praise as sacrifice, promising rescue in distress.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 149: Israel and Zion's children are called to sing a new song, rejoicing in their King, celebrating with dance and music, as the Lord honors His people with victory.
  • Gospel - Luke 19:41-44: Approaching Jerusalem, Jesus wept over it, lamenting its ignorance of what brings peace. He prophesied its besiegement and destruction by enemies, with not one stone left upon another, sorrowing that the city did not recognize its time of divine visitation.

They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.

Luke 19:44

Themes for the Gospel for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

  • Compassion of Jesus: Jesus' weeping over Jerusalem displays His deep compassion and sorrow for the people. This illustrates Jesus' empathy and concern for the spiritual well-being of humanity, reflecting His love and mercy.
  • Consequences of Ignoring God's Presence: Jesus laments that Jerusalem did not recognize "the time of your visitation." This theme highlights the consequences of failing to recognize and respond to God's intervention and presence in our lives.
  • Peace Found in Jesus: Jesus notes that the things that make for peace were hidden from the city's eyes, emphasizing that true peace is found in recognizing and following Him. This points to the belief that peace is ultimately a spiritual condition rooted in a right relationship with Jesus.
  • Jesus as Mourner for the Faithless: Jesus mourning over Jerusalem also represents His role as a mourner for those who are spiritually lost or astray. It demonstrates the depth of His desire for all to come to the knowledge of the truth.
  • Prophetic Insight of Jesus: Jesus' prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction, which was fulfilled in 70 AD, underscores His prophetic insight. It affirms His authority and the truth of His teachings.

Thoughts for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

As we reflect on the Gospel reading from Luke 19:41-44 on this Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, we are invited into a poignant moment where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. His tears are not just a display of sorrow, but a profound expression of love and longing. Jesus mourns for a city that failed to recognize the time of its visitation by God. This passage challenges us to ask ourselves: are we, like Jerusalem, failing to recognize the Lord in our midst?

In contemplating Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, we are called to introspection and mindfulness. "Where will Jesus visit me today? And will I recognize him?" These questions prompt us to look beyond the ordinary and the expected, to seek the Lord in all aspects of our daily lives. The divine presence is not confined to grandiose events or miraculous occurrences. Rather, God often reveals Himself in the simplicity of our day-to-day experiences – in the people we meet, the challenges we face, and even in the beauty of nature, like a leaf gently drifting to the ground.

Recognizing Jesus in our daily encounters requires an open heart and a discerning eye. It is easy to overlook His presence when wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life. Yet, Jesus is often found in the least expected places: in the kindness of a stranger, in the forgiveness we offer, or in the peace of a quiet moment. Just as Jesus wept for Jerusalem, He longs for us to see and embrace Him in every facet of our lives. It is in these small, seemingly insignificant moments that we often encounter God most profoundly.

Thus, this gospel reading invites us to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in our everyday lives. Let us pray for the grace to be attentive to the Lord's visitation, to recognize Him in the faces and stories of those we meet, and in the quiet whispers of creation. May our hearts be open to the myriad ways God speaks to us, guiding and nurturing us in our journey of faith. In doing so, we not only honor the Lord's presence but also become living testimonies of His love and compassion in the world.

Prayer

Jesus, let me recognize you today. Open my eyes when I see you in expected and unexpected places. Amen.

Homilies and Reflections for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Word on Fire: Recognizing the Transient Nature of the World

In his reflection for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in Luke 19:41-44. Jesus warns of destruction for not recognizing Him, likening it to a president-elect predicting the White House's fall. Bishop Barron emphasizes Jesus' message that nothing in this world is permanent, and therefore, should not be the focus of our deepest desires or strongest commitments. This teaching, central to the Gospel, reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly things and the importance of discerning what truly merits our devotion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What date is Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Thursday November 21, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Thursday November 20, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - 1 Maccabees 2:15-29: Mattathias' Defiant Stand
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 50: God's Call for Faithfulness
Gospel Luke 19:41-44: Jesus Weeps for Jerusalem

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Thursday November 21, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 5:1-10: The Lamb Opens the Scroll
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 149: Joyful Praise to the Lord
Gospel Luke 19:41-44: Jesus Weeps for Jerusalem

What does Jesus' weeping over Jerusalem signify in the Gospel for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time?

In Luke 19:41-44, we see a touching moment where Jesus, nearing Jerusalem, cries for the city. He's sad because the people don't understand what would really bring them peace. Jesus predicts tough times ahead for Jerusalem, with a total destruction coming, because the city missed its chance to welcome God's special visit. This story reminds us how important it is to be aware and welcome God's presence and help in our lives.

What does the Gospel for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time tell us about how can we avoid ignorance and recognize what brings true peace?

Luke 19:41-44 tells us to try and really understand what makes for peace in our lives. We can do this by getting closer to God — talking to Him in prayer, reading the Bible, and thinking deeply about our lives. When we ask God to help us see things clearly, we can better know what brings true peace and make choices that match up with that.

What can we learn from Jesus' prophecy about Jerusalem's destruction in the Gospel for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time?

In Luke 19:41-44, when Jesus talks about the future troubles of Jerusalem, it's a warning to us about the risks of not noticing when God is reaching out to us. This encourages us to be alert to the ways God tries to connect with us. By being open to and accepting God's help, we can avoid the bad things that happen when we ignore His kindness and guidance.

What are the consequences of ignoring divine visitation in our lives, as in the Gospel for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time?

When we don't pay attention to the ways God is working in our lives, we might miss chances to grow, change, and receive blessings. Not noticing God's signs can make us feel separated from His guidance and love. This can lead to a sense of unrest and dissatisfaction, especially if we're following paths that don't match with what God wants for us.

How can we cultivate a deeper understanding of what brings true peace, as mentioned in the Gospel for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time?

To really understand what brings true peace, we need to focus on getting wisdom and insight. This happens by praying, thinking deeply about things, and reading the Bible. When we dive into God's Word and ask for His help, we learn what leads to true peace. Also, having a close relationship with God and following His teachings helps us feel His peace in our lives.

How can we recognize divine visitation in our lives, as mentioned in the Gospel for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time?

Noticing when God is active in our lives means being alert and open to His presence and direction. It's about seeing the signs and chances He gives us, whether through situations, other people, or feelings inside us. If we get into the habit of listening to God and looking for what He wants, we'll be better at recognizing His involvement and reacting in the right way.

What is the significance of Mattathias' actions in the First Reading for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In 1 Maccabees 2:15-29, the story of Mattathias teaches us about bravery in faith. He didn't follow the king's order to give up his beliefs. Instead, he stood up for his faith by acting against a Jew who was following pagan rituals and also against the king's messenger. This led to a passionate fight for religious freedom. Mattathias shows us how crucial it is to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it's tough.

How can we apply Mattathias' courage in the First Reading for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to our own lives?

Mattathias' bravery in 1 Maccabees 2:15-29 inspires us to stay strong in our faith, even when we face hard times. Like Mattathias, who never gave up his beliefs, we too can find strength in his example and hold on to our faith. This might mean making tough choices and standing up for our beliefs, even if that's different from what society expects or accepts.

How does Mattathias' revolt for religious freedom in the First Reading for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 resonate with us today?

Mattathias' revolt for religious freedom in 1 Maccabees 2:15-29 resonates with us today as we continue to face challenges to our faith and beliefs. His courage and determination to stand up for what he believed in inspire us to defend our own religious freedom and the freedom of others. Mattathias' example encourages us to be advocates for religious tolerance and to fight against any form of oppression or discrimination based on faith.

How does the Responsorial Psalm for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 emphasize God's justice?

Psalm 50 focuses on God's justice. It portrays God summoning the earth and declaring His justice from Zion. He calls His faithful and judges righteously. The psalm urges us to offer praise as a sacrifice and promises rescue in times of distress. This psalm reminds us of God's justice and His call for us to praise Him as a sacrifice.

What does the Responsorial Psalm for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about offering praise as a sacrifice?

Psalm 50 reminds us that offering praise to God is a form of sacrifice. It calls us to rejoice in our King and celebrate with dance and music. By offering our praise and worship to God, we honor Him and acknowledge His presence in our lives. This psalm encourages us to recognize the importance of praising God as a sacrifice and to find joy in expressing our gratitude and love for Him.

How can we incorporate praise as a sacrifice into our daily lives as in the Responsorial Psalm for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Incorporating praise as a sacrifice into our daily lives can be done through various means. We can set aside time for prayer and worship, expressing our gratitude and love for God. We can also offer acts of kindness and service to others as a form of praise and sacrifice. By making praise a regular part of our lives, we deepen our relationship with God and align ourselves with His will.

How can we apply the lessons from these readings for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to our daily lives?

We can apply the lessons from these readings to our daily lives by embodying the courage of Mattathias, offering praise as a sacrifice, and seeking a deeper understanding of true peace. We can stand firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity, and advocate for religious freedom and tolerance. We can cultivate a habit of praising God and expressing our gratitude to Him. And we can strive to align our actions and choices with God's will, seeking His peace and guidance in all aspects of our lives.

What is the symbolism behind the sealed scroll in the First Reading for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

In Revelation 5:1-10, John sees a sealed scroll in heaven that can only be opened by the victorious Lamb, symbolizing Jesus. This scroll represents the plan of salvation and redemption for all nations. The act of opening the scroll prompts worship and recognition of Jesus' sacrifice.

How does the Responsorial Psalm for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to rejoice in our King?

Psalm 149 calls upon Israel and Zion's children to sing a new song and rejoice in their King. It invites them to celebrate with dance and music, recognizing that the Lord honors His people with victory. This psalm reminds us of the importance of joyfully praising and worshiping God.

How can we apply the lessons from these readings for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our daily lives?

We can learn from these stories by understanding the importance of Jesus' sacrifice, feeling joy in our King, and noticing when God is working in our lives. We should think about how deeply Jesus loves us and try to live thankfully because of His gift of salvation. Let's celebrate and praise God happily, using things like dancing and music. Also, let's make it a habit to look for God's direction and see the moments when He's really making a difference in our lives.

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