Tuesday of the 34th 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) - Daniel 2:31-45: Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a statue representing successive kingdoms: gold (Babylon), silver, bronze, iron. A divine stone destroys these, symbolizing an eternal, unbreakable kingdom from God.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 14:14-19: John sees a vision of the son of man with a sickle, reaping the earth's ripe harvest. Another angel with a sickle gathers grapes for the wine press of God's wrath.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Daniel 3: All creations of the Lord, including angels, heavens, waters, and celestial hosts, are called to bless, praise, and exalt Him eternally, above all else.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 96: Proclaim the Lord as king, who rules with fairness. The heavens, earth, and all within rejoice at His coming to govern the world with justice and constancy.
• Gospel - Luke 21:5-11: Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple, foretelling a time when not a stone would be left upon another. When asked for signs of this event, He warned against deception by false claimants and said not to fear wars and insurrections, as these must occur first. He prophesied nations rising against each other, natural disasters, and celestial signs, indicating tumultuous times ahead.

All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.

Luke 21:6

• Impermanence of Earthly Structures: Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, a significant structure for the Jews, highlighting the impermanence of earthly institutions and buildings. This theme reminds believers of the transient nature of physical realities compared to eternal spiritual truths.
• Warning Against Deception: Jesus warns His disciples not to be led astray by false messiahs and prophets. This theme emphasizes the need for discernment and vigilance in the faith, particularly in times of confusion and deception.
• Perseverance in Trials: The foretelling of challenging times suggests the theme of perseverance through trials and tribulations. It encourages believers to maintain faith and steadfastness amidst difficulties.
• Not to be Terrified: Jesus advises His followers not to be terrified by such events, implying a theme of trust in God amidst frightening circumstances. It teaches reliance on God's presence and promises, even in the face of fear-inducing events.

In today's Gospel reading from Luke 21:5-11, we are drawn into a profound reflection on the transient nature of our worldly surroundings and the enduring reality of God's Kingdom. As Jesus foretells the destruction of the Temple, a symbol of permanence and pride for many of His listeners, He challenges us to consider the impermanence of material things. This message holds a timeless relevance, as we often find ourselves enmeshed in the pursuit of worldly success and comfort. Jesus' words remind us that while the physical structures and achievements in our lives may provide temporary satisfaction, they are not the ultimate goal of our existence.

Reflecting on this passage, we might ask ourselves about our own attachments to material possessions and worldly achievements. Do we find ourselves overly focused on acquiring and maintaining these transient things? The challenging question Jesus implicitly asks is whether our hearts are more aligned with the ephemeral nature of the world or with the eternal nature of His Kingdom. This question invites us to a deeper examination of our priorities and values. As followers of Christ, we are called to hold loosely to the things of this world, understanding that our true treasure lies in our relationship with God and in the eternal life He offers.

In a practical sense, shifting our focus from the world to the Lord requires a conscious effort to cultivate spiritual practices and virtues that draw us closer to Him. This might involve increased prayer, acts of charity, participation in the sacraments, and a commitment to understanding and living out the Gospel. By engaging in these spiritual disciplines, we train our hearts and minds to seek and savor the things of Heaven over the things of earth. This does not mean that we must reject all worldly goods, but rather that we should use them in a way that furthers our journey towards God.

Ultimately, the message of today's Gospel is one of hope and direction. While the world around us may change and even fall away, our faith in God provides a steadfast anchor. Jesus does not leave us to navigate the uncertainties of life alone; instead, He offers us His guidance, His grace, and His promise of eternal life. By focusing our hearts and minds on Him, we find the truest form of security and peace. This Gospel passage, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder to evaluate our attachments and realign our priorities, ensuring that our lives are built not on the shifting sands of worldly goods, but on the solid rock of our faith in Christ.

Prayer

Jesus, help me remember that the things of this world don't last forever. Let me treasure your love and mercy, which are everlasting. Amen.

Word on Fire: End of the Old World

In his reflection on Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron delves into the Gospel's discussion of the end of the world. He explains that early Christians were deeply interested in this topic because they witnessed the end of the old world through Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom of God seemed initially defeated by worldly powers, but His resurrection symbolized the defeat of this old world, built on death. This transformative event led the early Christians to eagerly anticipate the imminent establishment of God's kingdom, marking the Resurrection as the true end of the old, death-bound world.

USCCB Reflection: Discerning Truth Amidst Deception

This USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time emphasizes Jesus' warning against deception in the Gospel. In a world rife with falsehood, even trusted institutions, including families, governments, and churches, might propagate untruths. This widespread deception makes Jesus' caution increasingly relevant. The key to avoiding deceit lies in knowing the truth, which enables one to recognize and reject falsehood. The reflection asserts that the Catholic Church, described in 1 Timothy 3:15 as the "pillar of truth," is the reliable source for this discernment. By adhering to the Church's teachings, one can navigate through deception and stay anchored in the truth.

What date is Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Tuesday November 26, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday November 25, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - Daniel 2:31-45: Daniel Interprets the Dream
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Daniel 3: Universal Praise to the Lord
Gospel - Luke 21:5-11: Prophecy of Destruction

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Tuesday November 26, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 14:14-19: Harvest and Judgment
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 96: The Lord's Just Reign
Gospel - Luke 21:5-11: Prophecy of Destruction

What did Jesus mean by the destruction of the temple in the gospel for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

Jesus' prediction in Luke 21:5-11 refers to the physical destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, which occurred in 70 AD by the Romans. This prophecy can also be interpreted spiritually, symbolizing the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new covenant through Christ.

What lessons can we learn about discernment from Jesus' warning against deception by false claimants in the gospel for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

Jesus' warning in Luke 21:5-11 teaches the importance of discernment in faith. It cautions against being easily swayed by false teachings or claimants and emphasizes the need to remain grounded in true doctrine and faith, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty.

What can we learn from Jesus' prediction of nations rising against each other and natural disasters in the gospel for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

These predictions in Luke 21:5-11 teach us about the transient and troubled nature of the world, urging us to focus on spiritual preparedness and faithfulness to God's teachings, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty.

What is the significance of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream as interpreted by Daniel in the first reading for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In Daniel 2:31-45, the statue in the dream represents successive kingdoms, starting with Babylon, and moving through lesser metals, symbolizing diminishing glory and strength. The dream prophesies the rise and fall of empires, culminating in the establishment of an everlasting kingdom by God, represented by the divine stone.

How does the divine stone in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in the first reading for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 relate to Christian theology?

The divine stone in Daniel 2:31-45, which destroys the statue and becomes a great mountain, is often interpreted by Christians as symbolizing Christ and His eternal kingdom. This interpretation sees Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecy, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed or replaced.

What is the purpose of the Responsorial Psalm for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 in the context of the first reading?

Daniel serves to glorify God and to call all creation to worship Him. It complements the first reading by highlighting God's sovereignty and the eternal nature of His kingdom, as opposed to the transient human kingdoms represented in Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

What does the Responsorial Psalm for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about our relationship with the rest of creation?

Daniel 3 emphasizes that all creation, not just humanity, is called to praise God. It suggests a harmonious relationship between humans and the rest of creation in the shared purpose of glorifying God, reminding us of our role as stewards of His creation.

How do the predictions of wars, insurrections, and natural disasters in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 relate to the first reading?

Just as the statue in Daniel's interpretation symbolizes the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, Jesus' predictions in the Gospel acknowledge the reality of earthly turmoil and change. Both readings point towards a divine plan that transcends these earthly events.

How can these readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 inform our understanding of historical and current events?

These readings offer a perspective that historical and current events, including conflicts and natural disasters, are part of a larger divine narrative. They remind us to focus on the eternal kingdom of God amidst the transient nature of worldly events.

What reflection ideas and homily themes can be drawn from these readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

A homily or reflection might focus on the theme of God’s sovereignty over human history, as seen in the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Jesus' prophecy. It could emphasize trust in God's ultimate plan and the transient nature of worldly power and institutions.

In what ways can these readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 inspire us to live with a perspective of eternal significance?

These readings inspire us to live with an awareness of the temporal nature of earthly kingdoms and events, and to prioritize our spiritual lives and relationship with God, who offers an eternal, unshakable kingdom. They encourage us to seek a life that is aligned with God's eternal purposes rather than getting overly entangled in the impermanence of worldly affairs.

What is the meaning of the vision of the son of man with a sickle in the first reading for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The vision in Revelation 14:14-19 represents the final judgment. The son of man with a sickle symbolizes Christ as the judge, reaping the earth's harvest, which signifies the gathering of souls at the end of time. The imagery of reaping indicates the culmination of human history and God's ultimate judgment.

How does the image of the wine press of God's wrath in the first reading for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 relate to Christian eschatology?

The wine press in Revelation 14:14-19 symbolizes God's judgment against sin. In Christian eschatology, this represents the final reckoning where God will judge the world, separating the righteous from the unrighteous.

What is the significance of the responsorial psalm for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 in the context of these readings?

Psalm 96 declares the Lord as the righteous king who rules with fairness, complementing the themes of judgment and divine sovereignty in the first reading. The Psalm celebrates God's just governance of the world, aligning with the concept of final judgment.

How does the responsorial psalm for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 portrayal of nature rejoicing relate to the themes of justice and judgment?

The portrayal of nature rejoicing at God's coming to judge the world suggests that divine justice is not only for humanity but also restores the entire creation to its intended harmony and order. Psalm 96 reflects the cosmic scope of God's redemptive plan.

How do Jesus' warnings about false claimants and wars relate to the other readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus' warnings about deception, wars, and insurrections reflect the tumultuous times preceding the final judgment, as depicted in Revelation. Luke 21:5-11 serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and faithful amidst the challenges and upheavals of the world.

How can these readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 guide us in understanding current global events?

These readings can provide a lens through which to view global events, reminding us that earthly struggles and crises are part of a larger divine narrative leading towards God's final judgment and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

What themes can be explored in a reflection or homily based on these readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

A homily or reflection could focus on themes of divine justice, the final judgment, and the importance of being spiritually prepared and faithful in a world of conflict and uncertainty. It could emphasize the hope and redemption that God offers amidst the world's troubles.

How do these readings for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 inspire us to live in anticipation of God's kingdom?

These readings inspire us to live with a perspective of eternal significance, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance, moral integrity, and a deep commitment to God’s ways. They encourage us to find hope and strength in God's promise of justice and redemption, motivating us to be agents of His love and peace in a tumultuous world.