Daily Gospel Reflection for November 27, 2015

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Today’s Gospel: Luke 21:29-33

The readings today continue with the week’s trend of what sounds like the End of Times. Jesus is describing what will take place when Jerusalem is attacked and the Temple destroyed, which, to Jews, would seem to be the end of the world. But the First Reading and the Responsorial — both from Daniel — are meant to give comfort to those of us who face terrible trials in this world. At the end of time, all things and people will give praise to God, just as all of Heaven does now.

In Daniel’s vision, he sees the Ancient One taking His throne. He sees countless souls ministering to Him, and then sees “One like a son of man coming on the clouds of heaven,” Who receives “dominion, glory, and kingship” from the Lord God. Daniel sees that people of every nation will serve this Son of Man, whose reign will never end. Christians know that this is Jesus, for He said as much when He was questioned by the Sanhedrin during His Passion.

Though the destruction of the Temple felt like the end of the world to Jews in AD 70, this world would go on. And for those of us living in uncertain times in today’s world, we can look to Daniel’s vision — and Christ’s promise, as well — to remind ourselves that in the end, all people and all things give praise to the Lord. We can join in this day in our daily prayer, praising the God Who holds all of us in His mighty hand.

Mountains and hills, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever!

Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever!

You springs bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever!

Seas and rivers, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever!

You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever!

All you birds of the air, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever!

All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever!

Ponder:

When I hear about terrible news, do I trust that God can make good come from it? Am I tempted to give praise only when things are going well, or do I trust that God will work all things for the good of the world? Do I praise God, even when things are difficult or scary?

Pray:

Heavenly Father, in the end, all things and all people will proclaim Your name. People of every race and tongue adore you and praise you. Let me give you glory and praise even when life is difficult, frightening, or uncertain. Help me to praise you with every fiber of my being, every day of my life.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Christine Johnson

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