Breaking the Word

33^rd Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 20^th November 2021 — Gospel: Lk 20,27-40

Relationship that transcends grave

Perceiving what lay behind the question of Sadducees, Jesus answered them in their own terms; but at the same time, he sought to raise their minds to heavenly truths. Consequently, he first presented a summary statement of his teachings, as rabbis traditionally did. To support his teaching, Jesus quoted the Torah itself (Ex 3,6), the only authority the Sadducees would accept. This implies the continuing personal existence of those with whom God remains in relationship. Then Jesus answered, that the Father not only gives life on earth, but he sustains and even transforms life of each one beyond the grave. The relationship God seeks to forge with human beings here and now is one that transcends death. As sons and daughters of the resurrection, we can experience the same life Jesus has, free from death and alive to God (Rom 6,5-11). This is a new life, which transcends the earthly life, is given to those who are united with Jesus in faith and baptized in his death.

33^rd Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 19^th November 2021 — Gospel: Lk 19,45-48

Emphasis on justice and unity

Temple is the place where we go in search of God and pay homage, express gratitude and ask for His blessings. During the time of Jesus the Jerusalem temple had become a market place where injustice prevailed. Jesus cleanses the temple and declares that it is the dwelling place of God and the house of prayer. When Jesus calls the temple a house of prayer, he implies that justice is a must in temple. Jesus’ contemporaries, in order to purify themselves, gave alms to the poor, and offered animal sacrifices. Through his action and emphasis on prayer, Jesus conveys the message that fidelity to God’s will is more essential than all animal sacrifices. He also believes that prayer brings and unites us together as the children of God.