November 18 // 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I: Daniel 12: 1-3
Responsorial Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
Reading II: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

God comforts and strengthens us with today’s reading from the Book of Daniel. We are promised wise leaders bringing us to justice. A quick trek through the scriptures shows God’s justice is compassionate. To people crying out for help, God sends Moses to rescue them from slavery (Ex 3:7-8). Our spiritual ancestors, the Israelites, knew that God freed them from oppression and injustice. They realized that to be faithful to God, they too must free the oppressed and do justice toward others. That remains our biblical imperative today.

• The recurring theme in the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament) shows care to orphans and widows (Deuteronomy 14: 28-29).
• The justice giver gives food to the hungry, sets prisoners free and opens the eyes of the blind (Psalm 146:7-8).
• Amos pointed out the rich and powerful worshiped God in vain if their economic and political policies trampled the poor. He announced, “I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies...Take away from me the noise of your songs, to the melody of your harps I will not listen but let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an everlasting stream.” (Amos 5:21-24).
• Jeremiah taught doing justice meant addressing what causes poverty and unmet needs. As we address those needs we will know God (Jeremiah 22:15-16).
• Christian justice scriptures (the New Testament) include Galatians 3:28, Luke 4:16-21, Matthew 25:31-46 and many other teachings of Jesus.

Deni Mack,
DMin Pastoral Associate