Daily Bread Archive The Lectionary provides a kind of spiritual script for the universal church that keeps us, literally, all on the same page as we journey through the liturgical seasons. These short reflections, written by four authors who meet weekly to share the readings, are intended to help daily preachers and others who pray from the assigned scriptures each day to orient themselves to the Living Word addressed to the church in the world. Authors are identified by their initials, with short bios provided. Daily Bread Authors Patricia Russell graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich., with degrees in English and secondary education. Paige Byrne Shortal earned a bachelor’s degree in theology at Saint Louis University and a master’s degree in pastoral studies at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis. Mary E. Waldron received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee.  She later earned a doctorate in American studies from Saint Louis University. Elizabeth C. Williams has a bachelor’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s degree in theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology. ● For 36 years, Celebration, the homiletic resource of The National Catholic Reporter, has promoted worship and preaching tied to justice.  Celebration is now fully electronic. ● Click below to learn more. http://www.celebrationpublications.org/FreeOffer/

Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time (cont.)

Sat., Nov. 1: Rev 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matt 5:1-12a

All Saints

I had a vision of a great multitude … from every nation, race, people and tongue.  Today we celebrate the saints, all those who put God and God’s agenda before everything else. How diverse and colorful are the members of God’s family!  There are saints from every nation, people, ethnicity and language under heaven, thanks to the salvation won by our Lord Jesus Christ. We are God’s own children by grace. Let us live as the saints God has called us to be, seeking first the kingdom of God and its peace, justice and righteousness for all people. As we struggle to collaborate with God’s great work, let us ask the saints to help us by their prayers and the example of their lives. All you holy men and women, pray for us. Mew

Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Mon., Nov. 3: Phil 2:1-4; Luke 14:12-14

Martin de Porres

If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy ... Paul uses captivating rhetoric to beseech the Philippians (and us) to be united in mind and purpose. But Christian unity is not easily achieved. It demands humility and selflessness and thinking of others as better than ourselves — instructions that fly in the face of our cultural affinity for competition and individuality. Ours is, indeed, a confounding situation, and we might easily confuse humility with self-deprecation. But we need not beat ourselves into submission to Paul’s teaching. Rather, we should attend closely to it to see that true humility arises out of a life that is grounded in Christ and fully appreciative of the gifts of God. For gratitude, humility and generosity, we pray. Ecw

Tues., Nov. 4: Phil 2:5-11; Luke 14:15-24

Charles Borromeo, bishop

God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.  When we say a person’s name, we get so much more than a name. We may utter no more than a syllable or two, yet a whole conglomeration of information comes to us: images, memories and feelings we associate with that person; recollections of how he or she has shaped our lives, our opinions, and our beliefs. How much more do we get at the mention of the name of Jesus! When we know of no other way to pray, we find help, healing, strength, consolation, blessing and protection in his holy name. Let us always invoke his name with confidence. For reverent use of Jesus’ holy name, we pray. Ecw

Wed., Nov. 5: Phil 2:12-18; Luke 14:25-33

But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.  Before going into battle with half the troops of his opponent, the sensible king sat down to assess his situation. We should likewise assess our ability to meet the demands of discipleship. Can we hold off forces such as individualism and consumerism? In our culture, we are mired in systemic sin: isolating ourselves from the poor, living well while others live on the edge, eating like royalty while many starve. In all earnestness, let us reassess our commitment to Christ. Let us come to terms with our involvement in a sinful world, repenting and praying for the grace of a renewed and authentic commitment to Jesus. For genuine dedication to Christ, we pray. Ecw

Thurs., Nov. 6: Phil 3:3-8a; Luke 15:1-10

I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Meeting the Crucified Risen One on the road to Damascus forever changed Paul’s life.  He once took pride in his standing as a Jew, a Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of the church.  But the supreme good of knowing Jesus turned his world upside down. All that he had previously cherished became insignificant, like so much rubbish.  How has knowing Jesus affected me? Have I grown in my knowledge of him? I may know him as Brother and Friend. Do I know him also as Savior and Lord? Comforter?  Teacher? Protector? Healer? May Paul’s ardor inspire us to come to Jesus with hearts willing to know him in new ways.  For ongoing conversion, we pray. Ecw

Fri., Nov. 7: Phil 3:17–4:1; Luke 16:1-8

Join with others in being imitators of me … and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us. Paul worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel, preaching Christ crucified and bearing great hardship. He carried the message despite famine and cold, despite being shipwrecked, persecuted, beaten and imprisoned. Even the angst he felt over problems within the churches did not deter him. To imitate Paul is to endure our share of difficulty, as well — to come to know Jesus the only way we can, through the cross. Let us identify those among us who, like Paul, are paragons of Gospel zeal despite great suffering.  As we seek to emulate them, may we provide an authentic and powerful witness to others. For the grace to see Christ in human suffering, we pray. Ecw

Sat., Nov. 8: Phil 4:10-19; Luke 16:9-15

I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. The years of the Great Depression have been referred to as “the good old days when times were bad.” There is some truth in the jest. Times of privation carry valuable lessons. Those who endure them, if they are astute, learn prudence, gratitude for small things and reliance on God. They learn to live more simply. When times are hard, people may also learn greater care for one another. Let us attend to the lessons of our own time, which have become hard for so many. Let us find in Christ the strength to endure hardship and the love to help others through times of trial. For prudence, gratitude, trust in God and compassionate concern for one another, we pray. Ecw

Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Mon., Nov. 10: Titus 1:1-9; Luke 17:1-6

Leo the Great, pope and doctor

And if he wrongs you seven times … and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him. It’s frustrating when a loved one makes the same mistake or follows the same wrong path over and over despite the best advice and the best intentions. It’s easy to grow tired of forgiving yet again when the behavior likely won’t change soon. In these moments we should recall how often we find ourselves confessing the same sins over and over and how broken and defeated we feel at our inability to get past certain shortcomings. Even if we recognize our wrongdoing, we cannot always fully free ourselves. The Lord knows how true we intend to be, even if we fall short again and again. Luckily, when we acknowledge our wrongs and go to the Lord truly repentant, it doesn’t matter if it’s seven or 700 times; he will forgive us. He doesn’t keep count. That we may do the same for each other, we pray. PR

Tues., Nov. 11: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14; Luke 17:7-10

Martin of Tours, bishop

Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?  Everyone enjoys praise. Let’s face it: Being a good Christian can be hard. Sometimes we think we deserve recognition for doing the right thing, especially when there’s so much to pull us the wrong way. We may even adopt the mindset that the kingdom of heaven is a reward we merit.  This leads to a dangerous attitude. What joy or purpose comes from doing something solely out of obligation or expectation of reward? We cannot live merely for repayment; that gets tiresome fast. We must live for and act out of love.  That we may serve with joy, we pray. PR

Wed., Nov. 12: Titus 3:1-7; Luke 17:11-19

Josaphat, bishop and martyr

Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God? Is the stranger a better or more grateful person than the others who received Jesus’ mercy and healing? Let’s hope not.  Probably, as an outsider and a leper, he didn’t expect Jesus to do anything extraordinary for him. Those of us who have been the constant recipients of the Lord’s compassion get rather accustomed to it. In fact, we expect it and may take it for granted. We should develop a comfortable and familiar relationship with God, but not to the point that we forget to offer thanks and praise for the many blessings we continually receive. Let’s not let our reliance on Jesus’ mercy keep us from showing our gratitude. May we constantly give thanks to the Lord for the many blessings we receive, we pray. PR

Thurs., Nov. 13: Phlm 1:7-20; Luke 17:20-25

For behold, the kingdom of God is among you. Given the volatile state of the world, the idea that the kingdom is among us seems unfathomable. The world bears little resemblance to what most would envision the kingdom to be. Maybe that’s why many consider it to be a faraway place or a faroff time. We need look no further, however, than to our own longing to glimpse the kingdom. It is among us because it is within us. Jesus’ ministry is our model. It is our direct instruction on how to live for the kingdom. When we fight, discriminate against or ignore others, we deny the presence of the kingdom within each of us and stray from the example.  No wonder the kingdom seems hard to grasp. That we may acknowledge your presence, O God, within all your people, we pray. PR

Fri., Nov. 14: 2 John 1:4-9; Luke 17:26-37

Remember the wife of Lot. Scary, but good and necessary advice. It’s too easy to forget what’s important on normal days, let alone in times of crisis. We attach ourselves to way too many things. We waste time and energy fretting over trivial details when the good stuff is already right in front of us. We often take for granted what many only dream of — a loving family, good health, a comfortable home, a warm meal, a safe place to worship with good people of faith. As we look ahead to holidays and Holy Days, let us remember what’s truly important. That we may find contentment in the word of the Lord, we pray. PR

Sat., Nov. 15: 3 John 1:5-8; Luke 18:1-8

Albert the Great, bishop and doctor

Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. We’re a people of instant gratification — fast food, instant messaging, news briefs, 20-minute workouts. We’re used to getting what we want exactly when we want it. Adjusting our time schedule to God’s isn’t an easy thing to do, especially when it comes to prayer. If we can commit six weeks to see results from a diet or workout routine, we certainly can commit that much and more to prayer. A prayer life takes time, as does recognizing God’s subtle or unexpected responses. It’s a lifelong commitment. Like any relationship, it involves dedication, work, understanding and time. Loving God, hear our prayers and grant that which will bring us peace, we pray. PR

Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Mon., Nov. 17: Rev 1:1-4; 2:1-5; Luke 18:35-43

You have lost the love you had at first. Daily preachers will likely avoid the Book of Revelation and stick to the Gospels for their inspiration, but if the lector has to work his or her way through prose that suggests psychotropic drugs, then it only seems fair to comment on these readings. Written during a time of persecution, somewhere between 50 and 100 years after Christ’s death and resurrection, the author addresses several of the churches. After the usual flowery introduction, each comment on the community in question begins with, “I know …” Today we hear of a community who is successfully avoiding heresy, but has lost their love — a failure that threatens their banishment as a church. Today we celebrate the life of a woman who loved without measure.  St. Elizabeth of Hungary, queen, widow, servant of the poor — pray for us, that we may not lose our love. Pbs

Tues., Nov. 18: Rev 3:1-6, 14-22; Luke 19:1-10

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Today we celebrate the life of St. Philippine Duchesne, American pioneer woman and cofounder of the Society of the Sacred Heart. In 1988, the year of her canonization, I was privileged to sing at one of her three Masses of Thanksgiving. A quote from her in the program for that Mass reads: To wish out of love all that God does; to do out of love all that God wishes: That is the secret of sanctity. She endured physical and mental  hardship — her letters reveal that she was convinced she was a failure — but she was faithful, always answering the knock at the door, always welcoming the Christ in each person. St. Philippine, pray for us, that we may see the face of Christ in each person we meet today. Pbs

Wed., Nov. 19: Rev 4:1-11; Luke 19:11-28

Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory … for you created all things. In today’s first reading we find the images that later would inspire the symbols of the four evangelists:  lion (Mark), calf or ox (Luke), human (Matthew) and eagle (John). These symbols represent all that is good in creation, in order: nobility, strength, wisdom and swiftness. In other words, all creation praises God, for all was created by God.  The Gospel lesson is that we are only stewards, not owners, and we will be called to account for how well we managed (multiplied, shared) those gifts entrusted to us. As we approach the end of the church year, we contemplate the end time — a time coming for each of us. Now is the time to prepare ourselves to be among those giving constant praise. Make us good stewards, Lord. Pbs

Thurs., Nov. 20: Rev 5:1-10; Luke 19:41-44

They sang a new hymn: ‘Worthy are you …’ There is weeping over the destruction of the old and rejoicing over the birth of the new. This is the human story. We weep over the good that is lost, the blessed comfort of familiar ways and dear old things. To weep too little is to disrespect what has gone before. To weep too much is to miss the good that is coming.  Always there is good that is coming — a new song to sing to the One who promises, “Behold, I make all things new.” Lord Jesus, make us brave and help us trust in the Good that waits for us in the shadow of the cross. Pbs

Fri., Nov. 21: Rev 10:8-11; Luke 19:45-48

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Word — both sweet and bitter. The Christian life is a process of cross and glory. The Word of God is sometimes comforting, sometimes chastising, sometimes both at once.  How is this possible? Because the truth, even a hard truth, is liberating. We feel that sudden release deep inside when we let go of some lie we’ve been clinging to and receive the true truth. It’s what happens when someone finally says with full conviction, “I’m an alcoholic.” Or, “Bless me for I have sinned.” Today we celebrate the Presentation of Mary, an apocryphal story that has inspired lovely stained-glass windows, but which also points to a deeper truth: She was always chosen. She is the Demonstration Model for what we are called to be. We are chosen, too. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. Pbs

Sat., Nov. 22: Rev 11:4-12; Luke 20:27-40

St. Cecilia, virgin, martyr

Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, ‘Come up here.’ In the first reading, these words are heard by those lying dead and unburied for three and a half days. To the Sadducees who are trying to trick Jesus, he says that indeed the dead will rise. One of the blessings of working in ministry is the regular experience of death and all that goes with it:  the suffering, the fear, the resignation, the sometimes even saintly acceptance of the mourners.   Most folks in our culture seldom witness death. A homilist who can simply state what we believe about death and resurrection performs a valuable service. Likewise, music that attests to God’s love is a source of comfort and inspiration. Today we remember St Cecilia, patroness of church music, who, it is said, sang hymns of praise to God on her deathbed. St. Cecilia, pray for us and for church musicians and all ministers. Pbs

Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Mon., Nov. 24: Rev 14:1-3, 4b-5; Luke 21:1-4

Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, martyr and companions

These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes.  Sainthood is often cloaked in lowliness and anonymity. Most of us will just go along, doing our best each day to love God and neighbor, unrecognized and often unthanked. Like that mysterious 144,000 (biblical number for perfect, complete or full count of those to be saved), and like the poor widow with her two small coins, we aren’t getting our names up in lights here on this earth. Our first clue may come when, at the moment of our death, we hear the one Voice we have waited and longed for all our lives say to us, “Well done!  Welcome home. I’m so happy to see you!” Lord, grant us the grace to see you, love you and follow you more closely day by day. Mew

Tues., Nov. 25: Rev 14:14-19; Luke 21:5-11

Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr

When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified … it will not immediately be the end. Today’s readings teach us that we must look beyond the evils that seem to threaten every time period, and focus instead on doing God’s work on earth. If we seriously worked toward providing all people everywhere with nourishing food, clean water and basic health care, how much war and killing might be prevented? None of us will escape God’s judgment at the end of our lives and at the end of time. The important thing is what we are doing when we are called. Will I be idly worrying about my own possessions and comforts, or doing something, however simple and basic, to change things for the better? Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Mew

Wed., Nov. 26: Rev 15:1-4; Luke 21:12-19

It will lead to your giving testimony. Not only the first Christians, but followers of Christ down through the ages and even today suffer betrayal, persecution and death because of their faith. Even though most of us will never face this sort of crisis, we should realize that adhering to the teachings of Jesus will always involve being somewhat at odds with the concerns and values of this world. For example, do I seriously work toward being a person dedicated to peace and mutual respect in a world of diversity? Do I help to provide for others’ needs, both locally and globally? Do I recognize and try to resist the temptation to possess more, even though I know I have enough? Lord Jesus, grant me to live in such a way that enemies of your Gospel will be won to your truth. Mew

Thurs., Nov. 27: Sir 50:22-24; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19

Thanksgiving Day (USA)

And now bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth. We thank and praise God, whose blessings we have so bountifully received, and respond to God’s generosity by sharing it with others. We might invite an elderly, lonely neighbor to share our holiday meal or bring Thanksgiving dinner to a shut-in, or spend part of our holiday serving meals at a homeless shelter. (If it’s too late to do these things for Thanksgiving, plan on Christmas!) Or it might mean learning to downsize, reuse and recycle, or becoming involved in programs that will help earth’s abundance to be shared justly and equitably by all God’s beloved children.  Lord, teach me to thank you as you deserve by helping to provide for the needs of others. Mew

Fri., Nov. 28: Rev 20:1-4, 11-21:2; Luke 21:29-33

I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem … prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. The new Jerusalem is described not in terms of architecture, but “as a bride adorned for her husband,” that is, radiant with joy and love. The sign of God’s dwelling among us is the presence of love, joy and peace. It has been said that joy — not just good feeling, but that joy which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit — is the infallible sign of the presence of God. Each time we unite in love, joy and peace in community with others, an outpost of the City of God is being constructed in our midst, a sign and foretaste of heaven. Come, Lord Jesus, live in us and let us see you in each person we meet. Mew

Sat., Nov. 29: Rev 22:1-7; Luke 21:34-36

Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.  Hopefully we don’t have to worry about carousing and drunkenness. But those pesky anxieties of daily life — now that’s a different matter. Worry and anxiety over minor matters wastes time and energy and distracts us from being sensitive to the needs of those placed on our path each day.  Notice that the scriptures don’t tell us to ignore our everyday, ordinary duties, which are the currency of our life of service to God and neighbor; these tasks won’t do themselves.  What we should avoid is unnecessary worry, when we have done our best. The next step is to turn the matter over to God. Lord, help me to walk always in your will and trust you to take care of the outcome. Mew

• Patricia Russell graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich., with degrees in English and secondary education.

• Paige Byrne Shortal earned a bachelor’s degree in theology at Saint Louis University and a master’s degree in pastoral studies at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis.

• Mary E. Waldron received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee.  She later earned a doctorate in American studies from Saint Louis University.

• Elizabeth C. Williams has a bachelor’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s degree in theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology.