Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Saturday November 21, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Revelation 11:4-12: John describes two powerful witnesses of God, able to perform miracles and defeat enemies. After being killed by a beast, they are resurrected and ascend to heaven, striking awe in onlookers.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 144: Blessed is the Lord, my rock and fortress, who prepares me for battle and shields me. I sing praises to Him who grants victory and delivers from harm.
- Gospel – Luke 20:27-40: Confronted by Sadducees with a question about marriage and resurrection, Jesus clarified that in the resurrected life, people neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are immortal like angels and children of God. He affirmed the resurrection, citing Moses’ encounter with God as evidence that God is of the living, not the dead, thus silencing his questioners.
That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.
Luke 20:37-38
Themes for the Readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reflect themes of faith, resurrection, and God’s power over life and death. They invite us to consider what it means to live with courage, trusting in God’s promises, especially the promise of eternal life.
- Witnessing with Courage: The first reading describes two witnesses who stand firm in their faith despite opposition. This theme invites us to live boldly for God, even when challenged.
- God’s Power Over Death: Both readings show that God has control over life and death. This reminds us to trust in God’s ultimate plan for us, even when facing loss.
- Promise of Resurrection: The Sadducees question Jesus about resurrection, which He affirms. This theme strengthens our hope that life continues with God after death.
- Life Beyond Earthly Ties: Jesus explains that life in the resurrection is different from earthly life. This invites us to set our hearts on eternal things, rather than earthly attachments.
- Trusting in God’s Plan: The witnesses in Revelation face persecution but remain faithful. This reminds us to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is difficult.
- The Faithfulness of Martyrs: The two witnesses symbolize those who remain faithful to God unto death. This theme calls us to live our faith bravely, no matter the cost.
These themes from Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to trust in God and live with hope. They encourage us to focus on eternal life and to place our faith in God, who gives life and keeps His promises.
Thoughts for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to explore themes of courage, resurrection, and God’s power over life and death. In Revelation, the two witnesses show unwavering faith even in danger. In the Gospel, Jesus assures us that life with God in the resurrection goes beyond earthly understanding. Together, these readings call us to trust in God’s promises, live with hope, and remain faithful.
Standing Firm Like the Two Witnesses
The two witnesses in the reading from Revelation for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show courage and loyalty to God in the face of strong opposition. They testify to their faith and trust in God even when others try to silence or harm them. This scene reminds us that true faith calls for courage, especially when it is unpopular or misunderstood.
In our lives today, we might not face the same dangers as the two witnesses, but we still encounter challenges to our beliefs. We are often pressured to hide our faith or go along with ideas and values that go against our beliefs. This reading encourages us to stand firm, even when it’s hard, trusting that God is with us through it all.
The example of the two witnesses speaks to anyone who feels alone in their faith. Their strength in difficult times gives us courage and shows us how much God values our loyalty. They remind us that when we choose to witness to the truth, God notices, and He will be with us just as He was with them.
The Resurrection: Life with God Beyond What We Expect
In the Gospel for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus teaches about the resurrection and what it means to live with God after this life. He explains that life after death is different from our earthly life in ways we may not fully understand. When we think about resurrection, it may surprise us to know that things like marriage and family ties will not be the same, as we will live in a closer relationship with God.
This teaching encourages us to trust in God’s plan for our eternal life, even if it goes beyond what we expect or imagine. Jesus shows us that God’s love and purpose for us in the next life will be perfect and fulfilling, even if it’s different from what we know here. By accepting this mystery, we can let go of earthly worries and attachments that might hold us back from fully trusting God.
Looking forward to the resurrection helps us to live with hope and faith. We don’t need to be afraid of the unknown because we know that God’s plans are good. The resurrection gives us the promise of being close to God forever, beyond anything we experience now, which is reason enough to look forward to life with Him.
God’s Power Over Life and Death
The readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight God’s control over life and death. In Revelation, we see God’s power as He raises the faithful witnesses from death. In the Gospel, Jesus assures us of life after death, even though the Sadducees question this belief. Both readings show that God alone has the authority to give life and bring people into eternal life.
This theme helps us place our trust in God’s control over our lives, especially when we face struggles, illness, or death. When we remember that God has the power to raise His faithful, it helps us to surrender our fears and uncertainties to Him. It reminds us that He cares for us in life and death, and His promises are certain.
Knowing that God is in control allows us to live with greater peace. Even though life is full of challenges, God’s power is always at work, and He will fulfill His promises to bring us to life with Him. This promise encourages us to live each day with faith, knowing that our lives are held in God’s hands from beginning to end.
The reflections for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to trust God’s power and His promise of eternal life. The witness of faithful lives encourages us to hold firmly to our beliefs. May we embrace this hope, live with courage, and keep our focus on God’s plan for us beyond this life.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust You fully. Give us courage to stand firm in our faith and hope in Your promise of eternal life. Strengthen our hearts to trust in Your power over all things. Lead us always toward You. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I live with the courage of the two witnesses in my own life?
- What earthly attachments or worries hold me back from trusting fully in God’s promises?
- How does the promise of resurrection change my perspective on life and death?
- Where is God calling me to place my hope more firmly in His power and plan?
Homilies and Reflections for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Order of Preachers: Children of the Resurrection
In a reflection for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Fr. Jerry Stookey examines Jesus’ response to the Sadducees’ question about marriage in the resurrection. Jesus explains that in heaven, there is no marriage; instead, we will be like angels, living as children of God and the resurrection. Fr. Stookey highlights the Sadducees’ disbelief in the resurrection and contrasts it with Jesus’ teaching about eternal life with the God of the living. He encourages reflection on Jesus’ question to Martha: “Do you believe?” This reminder calls us to renew our faith in the resurrection and eternal life.
USCCB Reflection: Witnessing Victory Over Death
In a USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Dr. Marc Delmonico reflects on the promise of God’s victory over death, highlighted in the reading from Revelation. The story of martyred witnesses shows how God brings life and triumph out of persecution and suffering, echoing Christ’s resurrection. This victory is not just about overcoming physical death but entering into a new way of life rooted in God’s love. Dr. Delmonico calls for faithfulness in bearing witness to the Gospel, even in challenging times, inspired by the steadfast example of martyrs.
Dynamic Catholic: Live with Sincerity
In a reflection for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Matthew Kelly focuses on the idea of sincerity. He contrasts the Sadducees’ insincere questioning of Jesus about the resurrection with a genuine desire to seek truth and grow in faith. The Sadducees ask questions not to learn, but to challenge Jesus, revealing their lack of openness to His message. Kelly encourages us to reflect on whether we approach life, conversations, and faith with sincerity. By embracing honesty and genuine intent, we can deepen our understanding of God and live with greater purpose and authenticity.
Word on Fire: Resurrection and Justice
In his reflection for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus’ conversation with the Sadducees about life after death. He highlights Jesus’ affirmation of resurrection, citing Moses’ reference to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as evidence of life beyond death. Bishop Barron emphasizes that belief in bodily resurrection is integral to working effectively for justice and peace. Contrasting this with secular materialism, he asserts that faith in resurrection gives purpose and value to all aspects of the world, as it suggests everything is destined for redemption.
Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body
Scott Hahn delves into the profound Christian perspective on death and resurrection, offering a compelling reflection that resonates deeply with the themes of resurrection in Luke 20:27-40 for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. His insights bring a unique understanding to the Christian belief in life after death, aligning perfectly with the scriptural discussions about resurrection and eternal life. (Sponsored)
Questions and Answers for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Saturday November 21, 2026.
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. For odd numbered years see Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The readings for Saturday November 21, 2026 are:
First Reading – Revelation 11:4-12: The Two Witnesses
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 144: Praise to the Lord My Rock
Gospel – Luke 20:27-40: Marriage and Resurrection
What is the message of the two witnesses in the first reading for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The two witnesses in Revelation represent those who remain faithful to God even when facing great danger. Their courage calls us to stand firm in our faith, no matter the challenges we face.
How does Revelation describe God’s power over life and death?
Revelation shows that God has power to give life and raise His faithful from death. This teaches us to trust in God’s ultimate control over all things, even when situations seem hopeless.
What does the reading teach about facing opposition?
The witnesses in Revelation face persecution but do not give up. This encourages us to hold onto our faith, even when others do not understand or support us.
What can we learn from Jesus’ response to the Sadducees about the resurrection in the Gospel for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus explains that life in the resurrection is not like earthly life. This reminds us to place our hope in eternal life with God rather than only focusing on what happens in this life.
Why do the Sadducees ask about marriage in the resurrection?
The Sadducees ask about marriage because they do not believe in the resurrection and want to test Jesus. His answer shows that God’s kingdom will be different from earthly ways, calling us to trust in His eternal plan.
How does the theme of resurrection relate to our daily lives?
The theme of resurrection reminds us that our lives are not limited to this world. It encourages us to live with hope, knowing that God has prepared a place for us beyond this life.
Why does Jesus say that people will be like angels in the resurrection?
Jesus says this to explain that life with God is beyond what we know on earth. This helps us understand that eternal life is greater than anything we experience now.
How can these readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help us deal with fear of death?
The readings show that God has power over death and offers us eternal life. This gives us hope and peace, knowing that God is with us even at the end of earthly life.
What is the main lesson of Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The main lesson is to trust in God’s promise of eternal life and His power over all things. This reminds us to live with courage and hope, holding onto our faith in every situation.
Trusting in God’s Promise of Eternal Life
The readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focus on God’s authority over life and death, the promise of resurrection, and the courage to remain faithful. In Revelation, the two witnesses stand firm in their faith despite danger. Even when they face death, God raises them, showing His power over life and death. This demonstrates that God notices our faithfulness and will reward it in His time.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about life in the resurrection. He explains that it is different from earthly life and rooted in a closer relationship with God. This message encourages us to set our hearts on eternal things and trust in the mystery of God’s plan. Jesus reassures us that life with God will bring fulfillment beyond anything we experience now.
These readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 call us to trust in God’s power and promises. They remind us to live with courage, faith, and hope in His plan, even when faced with struggles. The promise of resurrection gives us strength to let go of earthly attachments and place our trust in God’s care.
Your Turn
The readings for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to reflect on God’s power and His promise of resurrection. How do these themes shape your faith? Think about the areas in your life where you need to trust God more or let go of earthly worries. Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments. Let us encourage one another to live with hope, courage, and faith in God’s promises.
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