33rd Sunday C

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

The gospel for the day
(a useful commentary on the reading here)
Some optional questions for reflection
Prayers of Intercession
Cluster Prayer
The gospel of the week ahead with questions

Luke 21: 5-9 The Destruction of the Temple foretold

When some were talking about the Temple,

remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings,

Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now –

the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another:

everything will be destroyed.’

And they put to him this question:

‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then,

and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said

‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and,

“The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them.

And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened,

for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’

Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there;

there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you;

they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment,

and bring you before kings and governors because of my name –

and that will be your opportunity to bear witness.

Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence,

because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom

that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict.

You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends;

and some of you will be put to death.

You will be hated by all men on account of my name,

but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

This is the gospel of the Lord

Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us. cluster.alpha@outlook.com

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

After the destruction of the temple in 70 AD the Romans literally carried away its stones to build other cities. Only the "Wailing Wall" with its massive stones were left. The Temple has gone - probably for ever.

We marvel at the beauty of our planet but it too is threatened with utter destruction.

This is God's creation which is under threat - and the threat is real.

Even with a European war, shortages of all kinds and environmental "end times", there are always those who bring light and hope because they ultimately trust the Creator. When have you experienced this?
How does your belief in the resurrection of the dead affect the way you live?

Prayers of Intercession

Today we hear the horrifying signs that may foretell the end of the world, but if we place our trust in the Lord we will be kept safe. These warnings can spur us into action now when climate change and other world events are real. Let us consider what we should change and resolve to do so now.

For the Church that we may grow in faith and trust in God to lead us through hardships and sufferings.