Nov. 18: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Michelangelo Buonarroti, The Father with Wisdom Creating Adam (detail), Cappella Sistina, The Vatican, 1510

Readings for Mass

First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20

Responsorial Psalm: 98:5-6, 7-8, 9

Second Reading: Second Thessalonians 3:7-12

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

‘So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict (NRSV, Luke 21:14-15).’

Let us pray.

Father, even from the womb you speak your Word to us, revealing yourself once and for all, yet in every moment. In times of difficulty, indeed in every situation, may we open our minds to the Word always present, revealing and challenging, that we may grow in our understanding but also accept more fully your life always offered to us. May we not only grow in understanding but may we speak that truth so as to confound those who stand against you.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.