Saturday 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 7:15-27: Daniel learns that four beasts represent kingdoms; the fourth, most fearsome, will oppress the holy ones. Ultimately, the Ancient One ensures everlasting dominion for the holy ones.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 22:1-7: John describes a heavenly vision with a life-giving river and the tree of life. God's throne resides there, His servants worshipping and living in His eternal light.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Daniel 3: All people, Israel, priests, servants, spirits, souls of the just, and humble men are invited to bless, praise, and exalt the Lord above all, forever.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 95: Let us joyfully sing to the Lord, our salvation's rock, with gratitude. He is the supreme God, creator of all. We worship and follow Him, the shepherd of His people.
• Gospel - Luke 21:34-36: Jesus cautions His disciples against becoming complacent or distracted by worldly pleasures and worries. He warns of a challenging day affecting all on earth and urges constant vigilance and prayer for strength to endure upcoming tribulations and to stand confidently before the Son of Man.

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.

Luke 21:36

• Vigilance and Spiritual Readiness: Jesus warns against becoming weighed down with the cares of this life, highlighting the need for vigilance and spiritual readiness. This theme encourages constant awareness and preparation for the coming of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of living a life focused on spiritual, not just earthly, concerns.
• Prayer as a Means of Strength: The instruction to pray for the strength to escape tribulations and stand before the Son of Man underlines the power and necessity of prayer in the Christian life. It suggests that prayer is vital for spiritual endurance and resilience.
• The Suddenness of God’s Day: The passage suggests that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly. This suddenness calls for a continual state of readiness and alertness in one's spiritual journey.
• The Universality of God’s Judgment: The statement that this day will come upon all those who dwell on the earth points to the universality of God’s judgment. It is a reminder that no one is exempt from accountability to God.
• Living a Balanced Life: The warning against dissipation and drunkenness serves as a call to live a balanced and moderated life. It teaches that indulgence in worldly pleasures can dull spiritual alertness and readiness.

In the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, from Luke 21:34-36, we encounter a profound message from Jesus about the necessity of vigilance in our spiritual journey. Jesus warns his disciples to be awake, vigilant, and prepared for the tribulations that life inevitably brings. This exhortation transcends the boundaries of time, speaking directly to our contemporary situation. In a world filled with distractions and challenges, the call to remain spiritually alert is more relevant than ever. It invites us to reflect on the depth of our readiness, not just for the challenges we can foresee but for the unknown ones that lie ahead.

The passage encourages a proactive approach to spirituality. Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared before troubles come, highlighting the need for constant prayer and a deep connection with God. This proactive spirituality involves cultivating a relationship with God in times of peace and calm so that we can draw strength from this reservoir in times of trial. The analogy of becoming 'drowsy' in one's spiritual life is particularly poignant. It suggests a gradual slipping away from attentiveness, a slow descent into complacency that can leave us unprepared when we face life's unexpected challenges.

Moreover, this Gospel passage is a reminder that our spiritual life requires continuous effort and vigilance. It is easy to become complacent when things are going well, to let our prayers become routine or even to forget them altogether. However, this complacency is a trap. Just as a soldier does not wait until the battle begins to prepare, we too must not wait for hardship to strike before turning to God. Our prayer life should be a daily fortress, built and strengthened in times of calm so that it stands firm in times of trouble.

Finally, this Gospel message is not just about individual preparation but also about our communal responsibility as Christians. In being vigilant, we are also called to support and uplift one another, to be beacons of faith and hope for those who struggle to find their way. This communal aspect of vigilance is crucial, for it is in community that we find strength and encouragement. As we reflect on this passage, let us commit to nurturing our spiritual lives with intention and purpose, so that we are prepared for whatever lies ahead, supporting one another in this journey of faith.

Prayer

Jesus, be with me today and help grow our friendship, so that I can trust in you when times of trouble come. Amen.

Word on Fire: Memento Mori

In Bishop Robert Barron's reflection for Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, he emphasizes Jesus' call for vigilance in anticipation of His second coming and our own mortality. He notes that our daily pursuits often distract us from contemplating our eventual death. Bishop Barron highlights the spiritual wisdom of regularly confronting this reality, as advised by St. Benedict and other spiritual masters. Prayer is seen as a means to face eternal truths. He advises regular prayer, frequent confession, and maintaining healthy relationships to prepare for our end, embracing the Christian tradition of 'memento mori' – remembering our mortality.

USCCB Reflection: The Passage of Time

This USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time draws from T.S. Eliot's poem in "Four Quartets" to elucidate the themes of time, perception, and God's hidden voice in life. It parallels these ideas with the scripture readings, emphasizing the passage of time and the hope in our unfolding lives. The Book of Revelation's imagery is a promise of God's enduring presence and love. We must be vigilant in Christian discipleship, being attentive to others' needs, and acknowledging our shortcomings over the past year. Start anew in the upcoming Advent season, and foster a renewed spirit to stand secure and joyful in God's promise. (This is a reflection for Cycle 2.)

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

The next date is Saturday November 29, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Saturday November 29, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - Daniel 7:15-27: Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Daniel 3: Universal Call to Bless the Lord
Gospel - Luke 21:34-36: Call to Vigilance

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

The Mass readings for Saturday November 28, 2026 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Revelation 22:1-7: Vision of the Heavenly City
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 95: Joyful Worship of the Lord
Gospel - Luke 21:34-36: Call to Vigilance

What lesson can be learned from the Gospel for Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time about discipleship?

Luke 21:34-36 teaches the importance of vigilance and prayer in the life of a disciple. Jesus warns against complacency and urges preparedness for challenging times, emphasizing the need to stay spiritually awake and strong in faith.

What is the significance of Daniel's interpretation of the four beasts in the first reading for Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Daniel's interpretation reveals the rise and fall of kingdoms, with the fourth beast representing a particularly oppressive power. Daniel 7:15-27 signifies the triumph of God's kingdom, assuring believers that despite earthly trials, God's ultimate dominion is everlasting.

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

Daniel 3, with its call to all creation to praise God, complements the theme of divine sovereignty over earthly powers. It emphasizes continuous praise and recognition of God's eternal greatness, aligning with the message of God's enduring dominion in the first reading.

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

A homily or reflection could focus on vigilance and faith in God's Kingdom. This theme ties together the prophetic visions in Daniel and Jesus’ teachings in Luke, highlighting the need for spiritual readiness and trust in God's ultimate victory over worldly powers.

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

These readings invite reflection on the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the permanence of God's reign. They challenge believers to examine their readiness for the Lord's coming and their commitment to living a life of faith and vigilance.

What practical application can be drawn from these readings for Saturday 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 importance of being spiritually vigilant. Practically, this means prioritizing faith, staying alert to spiritual needs, actively praying, and preparing to face life's challenges with confidence in God's promise.

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

The vision in Revelation 22 of the life-giving river and the tree of life symbolizes the restoration and eternal life found in God's kingdom. For Christians, this represents the hope and promise of eternal life with God, free from the corruption of the world.

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

Psalm 95, with its call to joyfully sing and worship the Lord as the supreme Creator and Shepherd, complements the theme of hope and divine sovereignty found in Revelation. It emphasizes God's role as the guide and protector of His people.

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

A homily or reflection could focus on living in hope and vigilance. This theme connects the hope of eternal life and divine presence in Revelation with the call for vigilance and prayer in Luke, urging believers to live with an expectation of God's kingdom.

How can these readings for Saturday 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 divine presence. They encourage believers to consider their spiritual preparedness and their commitment to living a life focused on God's promises and guidance.

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

The readings inspire living with a sense of hope and vigilance. Practically, this means fostering a joyful worship of God, staying alert to spiritual needs, actively praying, and preparing to face life's challenges with the assurance of God's eternal promise and guidance.