33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - 2025 - Year C

Gospel for the day -  33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

Luke 21:5-19
‘By your endurance you will gain your lives.’


At that time: While some were speaking of the Temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, Jesus said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’ And they asked him, ‘Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?’ And he said, ‘See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and, “The time is at hand!” Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.’
Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it, therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and sisters, and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.’


This is the gospel of the Lord.  Commentary



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 please email us: cluster.alpha@outlook.com




Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Today's gospel scene is set after Jesus has entered Jerusalem, knowing he will soon be put to death. His words are enigmatic, frightening even, but we have to be careful not to read them as a scientific description of the end times, even if the wars and natural disasters we are witnessing around the world might lead us to think so. Jesus' message is clear: Following him also means walking the way of the cross like him. It will not be smooth sailing; we will encounter temptation, resistance and rejection, for some even persecution. Yet, if we stay true to him and trust him, living and spreading his love, from peace-making to hunger and thirst for what is right, we will be part of the Kingdom, now and in the resurrection.


1. When have you experienced that you surrendered yourself entirely to Jesus and were surprised by the outcome?

2. When bad things happen, how do you deal with them?*





 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession

Today, as we celebrate the dedication of the mother church of Christendom, we thank God for the gift of the Church. United in faith, we pray for the renewal of the Church in holiness: that the Holy Spirit may guide every aspect of our lives and that our parish may be a home of fervent worship, self-giving service, and true hospitality.

Lord, in your mercy ... Hear our prayer


We give thanks for the freedom and peace we enjoy today, remembering with gratitude those who gave their lives in war and conflict. We thank you for their courage, their sacrifice, and their steadfast hope that a better world might be born. We pray for all who still bear the scars of conflict: for veterans and their families, for the wounded in body, mind or spirit. Grant that we never forget the cost of peace, and that we may live as people worthy of their sacrifice.

Lord, in your mercy ... Hear our prayer


In this time when our world is still torn apart by war and conflict, guide the leaders of the nations and all who hold power and responsibility. Where hatred divides and vengeance darkens hearts, may your Spirit of reconciliation and mercy prevail.

Lord, in your mercy ... Hear our prayer


We remember all who are in any kind of need at this time: for those struggling to feed their families and pay the bills, for the homeless and for those who are sick in body, mind or spirit. We lift to you those known to us on the Prayer Foundation List who need to know your healing in their lives and your presence surrounding and upholding them.

Lord, in your mercy ... Hear our prayer


We remember all who have died, especially Mary Williamson, Laurence Loy, Dorothy Jackson, Philip Sheppard, May Murray, Maureen Boyle, Kevin Laporte, Patricia Simmons, Jeffrey Sogovia. Be close to all who mourn the loss of someone they have known and loved. With them, we look for the day when your kingdom shall come and your peace reign forever.

Lord, in your mercy ... Hear our prayer


We will now say together the prayer to be missionary disciples.

Cluster prayer

Lord continue to bless our community in this time of transition.

Help us on our journey to grow from a maintenance church to a missionary church.
Give us the courage to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and prejudice.

Kindle in us the fire of your love that all who come here will find joy, peace and love.

Make this a house of prayer and a gateway to your kingdom.

AMEN

Preparing for next week -  Christ the King - Year C

Luke 23:35-43
‘Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

At that time: The rulers scoffed at Jesus, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’


One of the criminals who were hanged there railed at Jesus, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’


This is the gospel of the Lord.   Commentary



Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Today's gospel scene is set after Jesus has entered Jerusalem, knowing he will soon be put to death. His words are enigmatic, frightening even, but we have to be careful not to read them as a scientific description of the end times, even if the wars and natural disasters we are witnessing around the world might lead us to think so. Jesus' message is clear: Following him also means walking the way of the cross like him. It will not be smooth sailing; we will encounter temptation, resistance and rejection, for some even persecution. Yet, if we stay true to him and trust him, living and spreading his love, from peace-making to hunger and thirst for what is right, we will be part of the Kingdom, now and in the resurrection.


1. When have you experienced that you surrendered yourself entirely to Jesus and were surprised by the outcome?

2. When bad things happen, how do you deal with them?*


 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center