Daily Gospel Reflection
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November 29, 2019
Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.
“So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Black Friday is a rather apocalyptic name in itself. Just as the fig trees in this Gospel reading points to summer, our shopping centers have been sprouting the commercial signs of Christmas, some as early as Halloween.
In this passage, Jesus insists that we focus on the signs of the times. If we read Black Friday as a sign of the times, what does it say about our world today? Our culture has a focus on materialism—a want and need for things that will be lost, broken, and forgotten.
As we approach Advent, we must reflect on the fact that “the kingdom of God is near.” Rather than viewing that call in a foreboding manner, we can embrace these words as the promise that God is always near. Amid natural disasters, the changing seasons, and our own personal struggles, we can always count on one thing to remain constant: the truth and love of Jesus “will not pass away.”
The challenge for us, especially today, is to look beyond material presents and other passing distractions and focus on the presence of God, who is lasting and eternal. The upcoming celebration of Jesus’ birth reminds us how the kingdom of God comes so near to us—near enough to be touched.
Among all the material things that will occupy our minds today, let us not lose sight of the lasting gift of God’s presence in the world, and let us share this eternal gift with others.
Prayer
Lord, help us to recognize your presence in a church or chapel, even a private room, where we can sit or kneel and quietly reflect on your goodness and mercy toward us. Help us to know the richness of prayer offered from the heart. Grant us courage in the face of difficulties, faith in the presence of doubt and uncertainty, and confidence in your strengthening grace. Let us not miss these gifts by indifference and merely routine words. Amen.
Saint of the Day
Saturninus was a popular name in the late antique Roman empire, so there are several obscure saints who all bear that name. At least two potential candidates are the saints with the name Saturninus who we honor today, and both were martyred in the first centuries of the Church. Relics of St. Saturninus rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, but it is unclear which Saturninus the relics belong to.
The legend of Saints Perpetua and Felicity tells of a priest, Saturninus, who was one of their companions and ministered to them during their time in prison, comforting them as they prepared for martyrdom and he anticipated his own. This may or may not be the same Saturninus as Saturninus of Rome.
Saturninus of Rome was a priest who ministered with Sisinius, a deacon. They were imprisoned during a period of persecution of Christians, potentially during the reign of Septimius Severus and forced into manual labor before being tortured and killed, most likely around the year 203 AD.
Saturninus of Toulouse was the first bishop of the city of Toulouse in France, and was known to have converted many with his preaching and by working miracles. One of the popular cults in the late Roman empire was the cult of Mithras. The cult of Mithras was a popular "mystery religion," which featured secret initiation rites and cultic sacrifice. A temple to Mithras had long stood at the heart of Toulouse but Saturninus’ presence and preaching offended the priests there. They seized him and told him to offer sacrifice to Mithras or face death. Saturninus chose death, saying, “I worship only one God, and I am ready to offer a sacrifice of praise.” They tied him to a bull that was to be sacrificed at the temple and then prodded the animal to run through the streets until Saturninus was dead. Saturninus was thought to have been martyred around the year 257 AD.
Churches were built over the bodies of both of these saints in their respective cities.
St. Saturninus, who showed great dedication to God, even under the threat of death—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Saturninus is in the public domain. Last accessed October 18, 2024 on Wikimedia Commons.
