Comments on: Thursday, November 29, 2018 – Encountering God in Today’s Readings

By: Sandi

Sandi — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 13:24:55 +0000

Mary, I also see the US as Babylon in today’s reading. It was quite an eye opener. “Because your merchants were the great ones of the world, all nations were led astray by your magic potion.” And “She has become a haunt for demons. She is a cage for every unclean spirit, a cage for every unclean bird, a cage for every unclean and disgusting beast.” That there will be great tribulation before evil is defeated—very scary stuff. I have always been afraid that my faith wouldn’t be strong enough and, like Peter, I would deny my Lord out of fear. I pray for more time for my faith to strengthen, for my family’s conversions…may God have mercy on us all.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 21:30:51 +0000

A – it really is disturbing! Here in Canada, many Canadians become indignant when they hear of abuses that occur in the U.S., when we need to be looking in our own backyard. As well, it’s not just in North America, these atrocities are happening world-wide, in all types of organizations, not just in Churches (every denomination, and non-denominational). I feel that there is a purge happening starting with the Catholic Church! It’s times like these I think if nothing is impossible for God, why can’t he cleanse the temple with a wide sweep of his hand! Wishful thinking, eh?

By: A

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 17:22:37 +0000

Chris, it makes me wonder how St. Mike’s can even be calling itself a Catholic school when the administrators aren’t committed to living by Christian standards.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 16:52:25 +0000

Mary, like you, my stomach turns every time I turn on the news and hear about some new atrocity in our Church. Recently, Canadian news media have been reporting on hazing in a Canadian Catholic school. 14/15 years olds were accused of sexual assault as part of a hazing ritual. Sadly, the principal did not report it to the police for two days. The journalist reported that school authorities turned a blind eye because this type of behaviour had become normalized. Then she played a very old British clip in which the commentator was touting the greatness of this particular private school. He commented that bullying was a fine art in British private schools. That clip was in black and white, that’s how long such behaviour has been condoned.

Mark 4:22, Luke 8:17 & 12:2-3 tell us that what is done in the dark will come to light. And that’s happening. Because of social media today, people are waking up to the realization that abuse of any kind is not normal. There are other types of abuses that are so subtle they may never come to light because gossip, innuendos, back-stabbing have become a part of daily life. Good people stand by and do nothing.

Your reflection reignited some painful events in my life, sadly I doubt anything will ever be done about it. This first Sunday of Advent, Jesus tells us not to give into the worries of life, so I decided that would be my liturgical new years resolution. I keep hoping, this too shall pass. Keep me in your prayers. God bless.

By: Kaye

Kaye — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 15:30:33 +0000

Mary, thank you for immersing us in today’s readings. You ask for a prophet like Ezra or Nehemiah to tell us what God wants. I believe that Jesus is sending us his Blessed Mother to teach us and to prepare us to meet her Son. I recommend following her messages to the world given during her many appearances on every continent throughout this century, which call us to pray the Rosary from the heart, to read Scripture daily, to fast, to seek Jesus’s mercy through Confession, and to receive the Eucharist as often as possible. Inspired by confidence in Jesus’ infinite love and mercy and led by Mother Mary may we each be prophets in our own small way to fight against the evil of Satan that is gripping so much of our world. The Blessed Mother assures us that through prayer, good will triumph.

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 14:15:18 +0000

Mary, it does feel like Babylon in America and across many countries. But, I am hopeful we’ll come out on the good, God side of life. Your ending prayer felt like it was written for me. Thanks again for a spot-on reflection. I will start my work day with the idea of cultural encounter.

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 13:19:09 +0000

You spoke to me when you said, “Before evil loses, there is great tribulation.” I am living this, and have been for at least 2 years now. Thank you for your reflection.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 13:08:45 +0000

I love what you and others do in this webpage, providing meaningful reflections that helps bible readers understand readings and gospel in a beautiful way. You have helped us closer to god with your writings, please continue with your rare and precious God given talents. I believe you are invitees to god’s wedding feast as his party servers, and we are to be invited to as his guesses, you r blessed to be his right hand on this earth. Thank God for your works.