Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday November 26, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9A: An angel declares Babylon’s fall, never to rise again. A heavenly multitude praises God’s just judgment. The angel proclaims blessings for those invited to the Lamb’s wedding feast.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 100: All are called to praise and serve the Lord with joy. He made us, and his love and faithfulness endure forever. Blessed are those invited to his feast.
- Gospel – Luke 21:20-28: Jesus warns of Jerusalem’s destruction and the suffering that will follow. There will be signs in the heavens and on earth, causing fear and confusion. The Son of Man will return in glory, and those who witness these signs should stand strong, knowing that their salvation is close.
In the United States, this date often coincides with the observance of Thanksgiving. See resources for Thanksgiving here.
There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
Luke 21: 25
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The Mass readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focus on the end times and God’s final victory. These readings from Revelation and Luke remind us to remain faithful as we wait for Jesus’ return and the defeat of evil.
- Judgment of Evil: Revelation shows the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the judgment of evil. God’s justice will be clear, and all wickedness will be destroyed.
- God’s Final Victory: The celebration in heaven after Babylon’s fall reminds us that God will win in the end. Evil may seem strong, but God’s victory is certain.
- Warning Against Complacency: In Luke, Jesus warns His followers not to be caught unprepared. We must be watchful, ready for His return at any time.
- Destruction of the Old: Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem, showing that worldly things will not last. We should focus on what is eternal rather than what is passing.
- Call to Faithfulness: Both readings urge us to remain faithful, even when times are hard. God will reward those who stay true to Him.
- Hope in Christ’s Return: The readings point us to the hope of Jesus’ second coming. Despite the trials we face, we can trust in His promise to return and bring peace.
The Mass readings remind us to stay awake and ready for Christ. We know that God’s justice and victory will come, and we must hold on to our faith as we wait.
Thoughts for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The Mass readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the final victory of God and the importance of staying faithful. Through the fall of Babylon and Jesus’ warning to be prepared, these readings show us how temporary this world is and point us toward what truly matters: God’s eternal kingdom.
God’s Victory Over Evil
The first reading for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 shows us the fall of Babylon. Babylon stands for the forces of evil in the world. Even though evil might seem strong, it will not last. God will bring judgment and destroy all that is against Him.
This reading reminds us that no matter what struggles we face, God is in control. His victory is already planned. Sometimes, it can feel like evil is winning in the world, but the celebration in heaven tells us that God’s victory is sure.
We can trust that God’s justice will come in His time. We are called to stay faithful and hopeful, knowing that in the end, God will bring peace and goodness. This gives us strength to endure whatever difficulties we face. God’s victory over evil gives us hope.
Be Ready for Jesus’ Return
In the Gospel for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus warns His followers to be prepared. He speaks of signs of the end times and the destruction of Jerusalem. His message is clear: we must always be ready for His return.
Being watchful means living every day with our hearts focused on God. We do not know when Jesus will return, but we are called to live with faith and love. It is easy to get distracted by the worries of life, but Jesus reminds us to stay alert.
This message applies to us today. We should ask ourselves, are we living as if Jesus could return at any time? If we stay close to God and live according to His teachings, we will not be caught off guard. Our lives should reflect our hope in His coming.
The Temporary Nature of This World
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show us that the things of this world are passing. Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and evil, falls and is destroyed. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem, showing that even important places and things will not last forever.
This reminds us not to place our hope in the things of this world. Success, money, and power can be tempting, but they are temporary. Instead, we are called to focus on what is eternal. Our relationship with God is what will last beyond this life.
Living with this mindset helps us to not be afraid when we see the world changing or things falling apart. We know that God’s kingdom is eternal and unshakeable. By keeping our eyes on God, we can live with peace and purpose, no matter what happens around us.
The Mass readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 call us to trust in God’s victory over evil and remain watchful for Jesus’ return. They remind us to place our hope in what is eternal, living each day with faith and focus on God’s promises.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in Your victory over all evil. Give us the strength to stay faithful in times of trial and keep our hearts ready for Your return. May we live each day with hope, placing our focus on You and Your eternal kingdom. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I be more prepared for Jesus’ return in my daily life?
- What worldly things do I need to let go of to focus more on God’s kingdom?
- How does the promise of God’s victory over evil give me hope in difficult times?
- In what ways can I stay watchful and faithful to God, even when the world around me is uncertain?
Homilies and Reflections for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: The True King Brings Peace
In his reflection for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus’ apocalyptic words from Luke’s Gospel. He emphasizes that we should not place ultimate trust in worldly powers, political systems, or social arrangements, as all are temporary and destined to fail. True peace and security come only through God’s kingdom. The Son of Man’s coming in glory is not just a future event but happens now through the life of the Church, symbolized in the liturgy. Bishop Barron reminds us to fix our hope on Christ, the eternal King who is always present.
Order of Preachers: Jerusalem, No Stranger to Pain
Sr. Marianne Watts reflects on Luke’s Gospel for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. Jerusalem, a city central to Jesus’ life, represents both suffering and salvation. She connects Jesus’ warning of distress, fear, and vengeance to the struggles of our modern world—wars, political confusion, and the threat of destruction. Yet, in the midst of this pain, Jesus calls us to hope, promising redemption through the Son of Man’s return in glory. Hope does not erase suffering but shines through it, reminding us to trust in God’s promise of salvation and to work for light in a troubled world.
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Thursday November 26, 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 Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Thursday November 26, 2026 are:
First Reading – Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9A: The Fall of Babylon
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 100: Called to the Feast of the Lamb
Gospel – Luke 21:20-28: A Warning About Jerusalem’s Destruction
What does Babylon represent in the first reading for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Babylon stands for the evil and corruption in the world. It is a symbol of how sin will be judged and defeated by God in the end.
Why is there a celebration in heaven after Babylon’s fall?
The celebration in heaven shows the joy of God’s victory over evil. It reminds us that no matter how strong evil seems, God will always win.
What does Jesus mean by the destruction of Jerusalem in the Gospel for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The destruction of Jerusalem shows that the things of this world are temporary. Jesus is telling us to focus on eternal things, like our faith, instead of worldly things that don’t last.
How should we prepare for Jesus’ return?
We are called to stay watchful and live faithfully. We should keep our hearts focused on God and not get distracted by the world.
Why is it important to stay faithful during hard times?
God will reward those who remain faithful. Even when times are tough, staying close to God will lead to eternal life.
How do these readings give us hope?
The readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 give us hope by showing that Jesus will come again to set everything right. No matter what we face, we can trust in God’s promise to defeat evil and bring peace.
What should we learn from these warnings in the readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 ?
The warnings remind us to not be lazy in our faith. We need to be ready for Jesus’ return, living each day with love and trust in God.
Faithful and Watchful
The readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time remind us of God’s final victory over evil and the importance of staying ready for Jesus’ return. In Revelation, Babylon represents the forces of evil. Its fall shows that no matter how strong evil appears, God will bring justice and destroy all that opposes Him. This gives us hope that, even in struggles, God is in control and His plan is certain.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns His followers to stay prepared. He speaks about signs of the end times and the temporary nature of earthly things. Jesus’ words remind us that we must live each day focused on God, ready for His return. Being watchful means living with faith, love, and a heart open to God’s will.
Both readings highlight the temporary nature of this world. Babylon’s fall and the destruction of Jerusalem show that earthly power and possessions do not last. We are called to focus on what is eternal—our relationship with God. When we trust in His promises, we find strength and peace, even when the world around us is uncertain.
Your Turn
What do the readings for Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time mean to you? Take time to reflect on how you can stay watchful and focus on what truly matters. Do you feel ready for Jesus’ return?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let’s encourage each other to live with faith and hope every day.
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