Daily Gospel Reflection

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November 28, 2023

Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Lk 21:5-11
Listen to the Audio Version

While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”

Reflection

Kaitlyn (Kennedy) McMackin '16
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Our first child was born one month before the world shut down in 2020. As a first-time parent, I already felt turned upside down. Adding to that, the lack of sleep, postpartum hormonal changes, and the ever-alarming news outside, my anxiety could not have been higher. The times certainly felt Biblical, and it was hard to heed the Lord’s words “not [to] be terrified.”

What helped get me through those pandemic days and helps me now in my daily anxieties is pondering the image in the Congregation of Holy Cross’ crest: a cross with two anchors. Christ is our anchor in the midst of whatever comes our way.

It is hard not to feel affected by conflicts at home and abroad and not to give in to feelings of despair. What sort of world are we passing on to our children and grandchildren? But the message of Jesus is unrelentingly clear: we are not of this world. We are made for more, our children are made for more, and every person we meet is made for more. The cross and Christ’s love must be the anchor that holds us fast as the winds of war, plague, loneliness, addiction, pain, and sin ravage our world and our interior lives.

While a student at Notre Dame, I began spending time in Eucharistic Adoration each week. Even after my husband and I graduated, we made time for Adoration. But between COVID and now two babies, I fell away from my commitment. Recently returning to regular Adoration and time in silence with Jesus has allowed him to re-anchor my soul to his abundant grace and mercy.

During this year’s Eucharistic revival, may we each consider setting aside some time to spend in Adoration with our Lord so that Christ’s love for us present in the Eucharist may ground and transform us so that no matter the troubles of this world, we will know peace.

Prayer

Rev. Geoffrey Mooney, C.S.C.

Gracious Father, you are our comfort, guide, and shield through the turbulent tide of personal trials and humanity’s distress. When the troubles of this world rise up against us, give us firm resolve to speak your truth and share your mercy. May we faithfully cling to your wisdom, made flesh in Christ Jesus and dwelling with us in the Spirit, for you are God forever and ever. Amen.

Saint of the Day

St. Catherine Laboure

St. Catherine Laboure is famous for spreading devotion to Jesus and Mary—especially through their sacred hearts—by a medal that was revealed to her in a vision.

Zoe Laboure was born in 1806 to a farm family in Burgundy, France. She was ninth of eleven children and at the age of nine, her mother died and she and a younger sister were sent to live with an aunt. Later, when other siblings left the household (some for religious life) she was forced to return to care for the household.

She never learned to read or write, and later worked as a waitress in her uncle’s café in Paris. She visited a hospital run by the Sisters of Charity, and felt a tangible call to work with the sick. She eventually joined the order, taking the name Catherine.

When she was a novice in the community, Mary appeared to Catherine three times. In one of her visions, Mary showed Catherine a medal to be worn around the neck. The medal depicts Mary as the Immaculate Conception, and has become known as the “Miraculous Medal.” On one side is an image of Mary with the words, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” On the other side is a depiction of the sacred hearts of Jesus and Mary. She told Catherine to have medals made as a source of prayer and grace. Devotion to the Miraculous Medal has since spread worldwide.

Catherine died after many long years as a nun, working in kitchens and gardens and taking care of elderly people in a nursing home. Her relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.

St. Catherine Laboure, faithful visionary who passed on to us the image of the Miraculous Medal—pray for us!


Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Catherine Laboure is in the public domain. Last accessed November 15, 2024 on Wikimedia Commons.