Week of November 17, 2024

Meditation on the Gospel:

This weekend, we celebrate the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. This Sunday is the second to last Sunday of our liturgical year. As we approach the end of the Church year, our Gospel invites us to consider Jesus’ predictions & teaching about the end of the world. In the context of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ words about this are spoken to his disciples as he prepares them for his passion and death.

Last Sunday, we heard Jesus’ observation about the contributions being made to the temple treasury & the example of sacrificial giving that he saw in the poor widow’s offering. If we had been reading Mark’s Gospel continuously, we would have heard Jesus predict the destruction of the Temple, his teaching about the costs of discipleship, and the woes that will accompany the end times. Finally, we would have heard Jesus instruct his disciples about the need for watchfulness so that they will not be caught unprepared for this final day of judgment.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues this teaching by offering his disciples signs to look for that will indicate that the coming of the Son of Man is near. His words and images draw upon Old Testament imagery, especially images found in the Book of Daniel. Next, Jesus offers the lesson of the fig tree, a parable that teaches that if one knows how to read the signs, one can be prepared for the end times. Jesus also teaches, however, that no one knows when the end time will come, except the Father. In the verses that follow this reading in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus continues to warn his disciples to be on watch for this end time. Jesus’ words are not spoken to frighten his disciples, nor should they frighten us. Rather, they are offered to prepare us for the changes we will experience during our lifetimes and at the end times. Our consolation & hope is found in the lasting nature of Jesus’ words and God’s never-ending love for us.

Parish Announcements:

Our Annual Appeal began last month with a mailing to all of our registered families. As of this date, we have raised a total of $ 51,385. Thank you for all the generous responses received to-date. We are in need of additional funds to cover the full expense of the new roof on the church and rectory. If you have not returned your contribution as of yet, we invite you to please consider doing so. Each week, we will continue to keep the parish informed on this important appeal. Once again, we offer heartfelt thanks to all of you for doing whatever you can, within your means, to support OLA. Thank you!

To continue the Feast Day Celebration of Christ the King on Sunday, Nov. 24th, there will be a 30 minute concert of African American Spirituals by Maria Dell’Orefice and Stephen Giblin following the 10 AM Mass. These well-composed & poignant solo pieces are guaranteed to edify mind & soul. We invite all to “Come to the Waters of the Deep River and Let Us Break Bread Together”.

All are invited to attend our Walking with Purpose Advent Evening of Reflection “Understanding the Unity of Opposites” in Assumption Hall on Wed., Dec. 4th. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Appetizers & Desserts will be served. This presentation will be led by our own Fr. Augustin Kassa. For more information & to register, please check the OLA website.