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Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Friday November 29, 2024

Daily Mass Readings for Friday 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's vision features four beasts symbolizing kingdoms, each distinct and powerful. The last, most terrifying beast is vanquished by the Ancient One, who grants everlasting dominion to the 'son of man'.
  • First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 20:1-4, 11-21:2: John sees an angel binding Satan for a thousand years. Those martyred for Christ reign with Him. At the final judgment, all are judged, and a new heaven and earth emerge, with a new Jerusalem.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Daniel 3: Mountains, hills, plants, springs, seas, rivers, aquatic creatures, birds, and all animals are called to bless, praise, and exalt the Lord eternally, above everything.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 84: My soul deeply longs for the Lord's dwelling. Like birds finding refuge near His altars, I yearn to be in His presence, where the blessed continuously praise and find strength.
  • Gospel - Luke 21:29-33: Jesus used the fig tree's budding as a metaphor for recognizing signs of the Kingdom of God's nearness. He assured His disciples that the current generation would witness these signs, emphasizing the enduring nature of His words, transcending even heaven and earth.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Luke 21:33

Themes for the Gospel for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

  • Understanding the Signs: Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to illustrate that just as one recognizes the coming of summer by the budding of trees, so too should the signs of the times be recognized. This teaches the importance of discernment and awareness in spiritual life, encouraging believers to be attentive to God’s actions in the world.
  • The Imminence of God’s Kingdom: The passage suggests the nearness of the Kingdom of God. This theme highlights the urgency and immediacy of responding to the Gospel message and living in accordance with God’s will.
  • The Endurance of Jesus’ Words: Jesus asserts that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never pass away. This underscores the eternal truth and unchanging nature of Jesus’ teachings, emphasizing their importance and reliability for guiding life.
  • Preparation for the End Times: While the exact time is unknown, the anticipation of the end times calls for spiritual vigilance and preparedness. It reminds believers to live in a state of readiness, aligning their lives with Christ’s teachings.
  • The Transience of the World: The contrast between the passing nature of the world and the enduring nature of Christ’s words brings to light the transience of earthly life. It invites reflection on the prioritization of spiritual and eternal values over temporal concerns.

Thoughts for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

In reflecting on the Gospel for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 21:29-33, we are invited to delve into the wisdom of Jesus as He teaches us about discernment and awareness, particularly in our spiritual journey. This passage offers us a profound message as we near the end of the liturgical year, a time of both reflection and anticipation.

Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to illustrate a simple yet profound truth: just as we recognize the changing of seasons through the signs around us, we can also discern spiritual realities through the signs present in our lives. The budding of leaves signals the onset of summer; similarly, the events in our lives and the movements in our hearts can signal the closeness of the Kingdom of God.

This Gospel passage invites us to ask ourselves some introspective questions: Do I pay attention to the spiritual signs in my life? Am I aware of how God is speaking to me through my daily experiences, through the people I meet, and the situations I encounter? These signs could be moments of peace, instances of grace, challenges that call for deeper faith, or even the stirring of desire for a closer relationship with God.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook these subtle signs. Our spiritual senses can become dulled by the noise and distractions around us. But Jesus is calling us to be alert and attentive, to 'look at the fig tree and all the trees'. This attentiveness is not just about observing but also about understanding and responding to these signs.

Then comes the crucial question: Am I near to the Kingdom of God at this moment? The Kingdom of God is not just a future reality but a present one. It is near us, within us, and among us. Every act of love, every gesture of kindness, every moment of true repentance, every instance of forgiving and being forgiven, draws us closer to the Kingdom. The signs of its presence are all around us, in the goodness, truth, and beauty we encounter every day.

As we ponder on this Gospel, let us ask for the grace to be more attuned to these spiritual signs. Let us seek the wisdom to discern not just the physical seasons but the seasons of our spiritual lives. May we become more aware of how close we are to the Kingdom of God and may this awareness inspire us to live more fully in His presence, embracing His will with open hearts.

As the liturgical year winds down, we are reminded that our journey with Christ is ongoing. Each day is an opportunity to grow closer to Him, to recognize His work in our lives, and to respond with faith and love. Let us strive to be vigilant, discerning, and responsive to the signs of God's Kingdom in our lives, living out the Gospel with renewed commitment and hope.

Prayer

Jesus, help notice the signs of your Kingdom in my daily life, so I can seek to draw closer. Amen.

Homilies and Reflections for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

Word on Fire: Linear Time and God's Purpose

In this reflection for the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Barron contrasts different philosophies of time with the Jewish and Christian understanding. He discusses the cyclical view of time, as seen in Nietzsche’s concept of the "eternal return of the same," where events perpetually repeat. However, he highlights the Jewish perspective of linear time, where history has direction and purpose under God's guidance. The past isn't merely repetitive but is a preparation for a definitive future, an anticipation of God’s actions. This view aligns with Jesus' assurance in the Gospel that the kingdom of God is near, urging us to prepare for its coming.

USCCB Reflection: Drawn to the Word of God

This USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time emphasizes the unique and transformative nature of God's Word. It's noted that our faith is centered not on a book, but on the living Word, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit enables us to understand and be changed by this Word. Amidst daily chaos, God's Word brings peace, wisdom, and calm to our souls. It's a reminder to always seek refuge in God's Word, finding there the light, truth, and peace we need. This aligns with Jesus' assurance in the Gospel that, though heaven and earth may pass away, His words will endure forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The next date is Friday November 29, 2024.

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

The Mass readings for Friday November 28, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) – Daniel 2:31-45: Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) – Daniel 3: Creation's Praise to the Lord
Gospel – Luke 21:29-33: Parable of the Fig Tree

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

The Mass readings for Friday November 29, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 20:1-4, 11-21:2: John's Vision of Judgment
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 84: Longing for God's Presence
Gospel – Luke 21:29-33: Parable of the Fig Tree

What is the significance of the fig tree metaphor in the Gospel for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

In Luke 21:29-33, Jesus uses the fig tree's budding as a symbol to teach about recognizing signs of significant events, in this case, the coming of the Kingdom of God. Just as one knows summer is near when a fig tree buds, so can one discern the approach of God's kingdom through certain signs.

What does Jesus mean by saying the current generation will not pass away in the Gospel for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time?

This statement in Luke 21:29-33 has been interpreted in various ways. Traditionally, it is understood as Jesus indicating that the events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD would be witnessed by that generation, symbolizing the end of an era and the inauguration of the Kingdom of God.

What lesson can be learned from the Gospel for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time about the Kingdom of God?

Luke 21:29-33 uses the metaphor of the fig tree to teach about recognizing the signs of God's kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of being alert to the workings of God in the world and the enduring truth of Jesus' teachings.

In what way does this Gospel for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time challenge modern believers?

Modern believers are challenged to balance awareness of world events with faith in Jesus' eternal words. Luke 21:29-33 calls for a discerning faith that sees beyond immediate circumstances to the enduring truth and promises of Christ.

What is the significance of Daniel's vision in the first reading for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Daniel's vision of the four beasts and the subsequent dominion of the 'son of man' symbolizes the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. For Christians, Daniel 2:31-45 represents the triumph of Christ's kingdom over worldly powers.

How does the Responsorial Psalm for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 enhance the theme of these readings?

Daniel 3, calling all creation to bless and exalt the Lord, reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty and eternal dominion. It complements the message in the first reading about the ultimate victory and glory of God's kingdom.

What is a common theme for a reflection or homily based on these readings for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

A homily or reflection could focus on recognizing and embracing God's Kingdom. This theme ties together the visions of Daniel and the teachings of Jesus in Luke, highlighting the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the everlasting truth of God's reign.

How can these readings for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 inspire personal reflection on faith and the world?

These readings invite reflection on the temporary nature of worldly power and the eternal nature of God's kingdom. They challenge believers to consider where their true allegiance lies and how they perceive and respond to God's action in the world.

What practical application can be drawn from these readings for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 for daily life?

The readings encourage living with an awareness of God's ultimate sovereignty and the transient nature of earthly realms. Practically, this means prioritizing spiritual values over worldly pursuits and being vigilant in recognizing and responding to the signs of God's kingdom in everyday life.

What is the significance of the vision in the first reading for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The vision in Revelation 20 speaks of Satan's binding, the reign of martyrs with Christ, final judgment, and the emergence of a new heaven and earth. For Christians, this symbolizes the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the fulfillment of God's promise of eternal life and renewal.

How does the responsorial psalm for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 relate to the themes of these readings?

Psalm 84, with its longing for God's dwelling, complements the themes of hope and eternal life in Revelation. It reflects the soul's yearning for God's presence and the ultimate fulfillment found in the new Jerusalem described in Revelation.

Can you suggest a common theme for a reflection or homily based on these readings for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

A homily could focus on the eternal hope in God's promise. This theme connects the hope of a new creation in Revelation with the longing for God's presence in Psalm 84 and the assurance of the Kingdom's nearness in Luke.

How can these readings for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 inspire personal reflection on faith and hope?

These readings invite reflection on the Christian hope for eternal life and the renewal of creation. They encourage believers to consider their own yearning for God's presence and the ways they discern and respond to signs of God's kingdom.

What practical application can be drawn from these readings for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 for daily life?

The readings inspire living with a sense of hope and anticipation for God's promises. Practically, this means cultivating a deep longing for God's presence, being vigilant in recognizing signs of His kingdom, and living in a way that reflects the eternal values of faith, hope, and love.

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