No earthly kings

 

pic: 'No Kings' Victor Grigas

Lectio Divina:*

2 Sam 5:1-3

Psalm 122

 Colossians 1:12-20

Luke  23:35-43

 

Meditatio:

 ‘…Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom....’ (Luke 23:42)

 

Commentary (878 words):

The Kingdom, the Cross, and the Republic of Grace

The idea of royalty sits uneasily with many political sensibilities today. Even in private religious devotion, the image of the crowned, suffering servant on the cross resonates more deeply than that of a High King seated in judgment in the heavenly courts. Yet, we recite the Our Father daily, often without pausing to consider the implications of the phrase: “Thy Kingdom come.”

Like spring calves

 

Pic:  The 'End Things' are depicted in the painting of 

the 'Opening of the Sixth Seal' in the National Gallery in Dublin.

 

Lectio Divina:*

Malachi 4:1-3**

Psalm 98

2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Luke 21:5-19

 

Meditatio:

‘By your endurance you will gain your souls.’ (Luke 21:19)

 

Commentary (954 words):

 Hope Amid Chaos: A Comforting Message in Scripture

There’s something strangely comforting about today’s readings. Though they unfold against a backdrop of chaos—trial, judgment, destruction, war, and pestilence – they carry an unmistakable undercurrent of hope. The Old Testament, the Gospel, and the Psalm all point to a higher power guiding us through darkness toward light, toward greener pastures.

I often feel a quiet sorrow for those who find solace in the rituals and stories of the Bible but struggle to believe in life beyond death—or even more poignantly, in life before death. For what is faith if not the conviction that joy and meaning can be found now even amid despair as well as forever?

Chosen to be one body

 

Lectio Divina:*

Ezechiel 47:1-12

Psalm 46

1 Corinthians 3:9-17

John 2:13-22

 

Meditatio:

‘Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?  ’ (1 Cor 3:16)

 

Commentary (1,051)

This Sunday’s readings are steeped in rich symbolism, drawing us into a deeper understanding of Temple—both the ancient one in Jerusalem and the living temple of the Christian community. These texts were chosen for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St John Lateran (celebrated annually on November 9) which happens to fall on a Sunday this year. The next time this alignment occurs on a Sunday will be in 2031. So let’s pay close attention!