2 November The Commemoration of All Souls
Jesus said, “Everything
that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who
comes to me, because I came down from heaven
not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me” (Jn 6:37-38).
Communion Connection –
This quote from Jesus helps us to know the starting point for accomplishing communion. For by following in the footsteps of Jesus, we will ultimately find ourselves united with God and each other. Jesus tells us that it begins by surrendering our own will – our own wants and ideas – and instead seeking to live the will of the Father in all we do. Sometimes that means accepting an event, a person, or a hardship in our lives that we might not have chosen for ourselves, but it is given to us, and it is our opportunity to see it through to completion in accord with the will of God.
Additional Catholic Resources:
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9 November Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
He drove them all out of the temple area…and said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me’ (Jn 2:15a, 16b-17).
Communion Connection –
To consume and to have zeal are traits often associated with the human
drive toward ownership of worldly possessions, power, or prestige. But Jesus associates
them here with divinity – he applies consumption and zealousness to that which
is holy. He shows us the beauty of having holiness as a priority in life which
focuses our energy, passion, and commitment upon that which is good and of God.
He shows us that our humanness is made for holiness.
Additional Catholic Resources:
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16
November 33rdSunday
in Ordinary Time
“For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow
rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away” (Mt 25:29).
Communion Connection –
We are all gifted – none of us is without some sort of gift. But
the recognition and action we take as a result of the giftedness makes a
difference in our lives. For instance, if we recognize generosity extended to
us and foster gratitude in our hearts, we will experience generosity more and
more readily; but if we don’t recognize it, we will never know its effect. We
can find gift in each and every moment if we but search and recognize it – for
God is always with us. But if we do not even see the gift that is possible, we can’t
ever experience the richness it can bring.
Additional Catholic Resources:
-Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron Click here
-
Order of Carmelites Lectio Click Here
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23
November Jesus
Christ, King of the Universe
“‘Lord,
when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and
clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and
visit you’” (Mt 25:37b-39)?
Communion Connection –
“Lord, when did we…?” These are words not of separate individuals,
but of a corporate body. They moved and acted as one – they fed, they welcomed,
they clothed, they visited. They didn’t stop and question for whom were they
providing care. They simply cared– because they knew it was right. The need
existed – the response was theirs – the judgment was God’s.
Additional Catholic Resources:
-Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron Click Here
-Order of
Carmelites Lectio Click Here
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30
November First
Sunday of Advent
“He
leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and
orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore.… May he not come
suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’” (Mk 13:34b-35a,36-37)
Communion Connection –
Watch! Jesus’ word is exciting anticipation – it’s a call to attention! In this Advent season, we prepare our minds and hearts for Christmas by “attending to” daily life. Being watchful enables us to see the presence of God with us – Emmanuel. Being attentive, watching, is something we all know how to do. If we stay awake we are promised to see the very Reign of God. Watch and be saved!
Additional Catholic Resources:
-Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron Click Here
--Order of Carmelites Lectio Click Here