December 2, 2023 | Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel Lk 21:34-36

Get ready for Christmas

Gospel Text:

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy

from carousing and drunkenness

and the anxieties of daily life,

and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.

For that day will assault everyone

who lives on the face of the earth.

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."

Reflections: 

Everyone wants to be happy in life. And a common phrase we hear these days is, “Do what makes you happy.” Yes, it is desirable to be happy, to be contented, and to enjoy life. Yet, we are in a world plaqued by all kinds of ills—wars, violence, corruption, oppression, sickness, division, extremism, loss of moral and cultural values and etc. So we are caught in between—our readiness to enjoy life, and the stress and tension that come our way uninvited. How do we make our choices, how do we strike a balance? On this last day of the liturgical year, the Lord tells us, “Watch at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.” Yes, it matters to know how we stand before the Lord.

Activity: 

Let us spend time to pray for all those who live superficial lives, and for all the people who live in fear, stress and tension especially in war-torn countries, in particular, Israel and Palestine; and Russia and Ukraine.