Call to worship
In November, the Church calls us to reflect upon the end of all things. Today’s Scriptures speak about resurrection hope. Because our God is not a God of the dead but rather a God of the living, we believe that all relationships continue after death.
- To the point: The Sadducees are fixated on dying; Jesus is focused on living. The Sadducees deny there is resurrection; Jesus proves there is by rising from the dead. The Sadducees are trapped by affairs of this life; Jesus abides with angels and “the children of God … who will rise.” The Sadducees’ idea of this life ends with death: there is nothing more. Jesus knows that this life continues in newness of life. And there is even more: we already participate in what the Sadducees deny. To God “all are alive” now.
- Connecting the Gospel (Luke 20: 27-38) to the first reading: In no uncertain terms, Jesus affirms resurrection and eternal life. This “hope God gives of being raised up by him” (first reading) fortifies us to remain faithful to God even when the price in this life is ultimate (an extreme example of which is the death of the seven brothers). We can give our life because God gives us new life.
- Connecting the Gospel to experience: In our ordinariness and busy everyday living, we rarely think about either the end times or eternal life. Nearing the conclusion of the liturgical year, the readings invite us to reflect on the reality of the end of the world and God’s promise and gift of fullness of life.
Centering prayers
The Gospel
(Luke 20: 27-38)
They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they
are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise.
A place where no squalls rage and where flowers grow wild.
What can we bring along to that place?
Crutches, pain pills, tranquilizers?
How about our hearts, and spirits?
Lord, is there a piece of us that never dies?
A sacred space in us where love resides?
Oh, widen that space while time remains.
Let our human hearts flow out
now and forever with your boundless, infinite love.
The First Reading
(2 Maccabees 7: 1-2, 9-14)
It is my choice to die at the hands of men
with the hope God gives of being raised up by him.
Jesus, please allow your gracious pledge
of resurrection — help us to bear all things,
believe all things, endure all things,
and hope always in you.
The Second Reading
(2 Thessalonians 2: 6-: 3:5)
Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us,
so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified.
Christ, give us your grace and strengthen our hearts,
that your word might surge out at the speed of sound
to every place on Earth.
Copyright © 2022, Anne M. Osdieck
Music for reflection