The commandment of love is a beacon of wisdom for Christians of all times. As we await the glorious coming of the Lord at the end of time, let us be aware that he manifests himself in many ways in our daily lives. As we celebrate

 

The commandment of love is a beacon of wisdom for Christians of all times. As we await the glorious coming of the Lord at the end of time, let us be aware that he manifests himself in many ways in our daily lives. As we celebrate this Eucharist, let us ask for the grace that our lives may always be spent living out love and being faithful to God’s commandments.

First Reading: 2 John 4-9

A reading from the second letter of Saint John – 4I rejoiced greatly, Madam, to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have received a commandment from the Father. 5And now, Madam, I beg you—not that I am writing to you about a new commandment, for it is the one we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 6And this is what love consists in: living according to his commandments. This is the commandment you have heard from the beginning, so that you may live accordingly. 7Now many deceivers have gone out into the world, who do not confess the incarnate Jesus Christ. This is the deceiver, the antichrist. 8Take heed, lest you lose the fruit of your labor, but receive your full reward. 9Whoever does not abide in the teaching of Christ but goes beyond it does not possess God. Whoever abides in the teaching possesses both the Father and the Son. – The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: 118(119)

Blessed are those who progress in the law of the Lord!

1. Blessed are those who walk without sin, / who progress in the law of the Lord! – R.

2. Blessed are those who keep your precepts / and seek God with all their heart! – R.

3. With all my heart I seek you; / do not let me forsake your law! – R.

4. I have hidden your words in my heart, / so that I may not sin against you. – R.

5. Be good to your servant, / and I will live, / and I will keep your word, O Lord. – R.

6. Open my eyes, and I will see / the wonders in your law! – R.

Gospel: Luke 17,26-37

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Lift up your heads and look, for your redemption is drawing near! (Lk 21,28) – R.

A proclamation from the gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke – At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: 26“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man. 27They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. 28It will be as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. 29But on the day Lot left Sodom, God rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed them all. 30So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31On that day, let no one on the housetop go down to get the goods that are in his house, and let no one in the field turn back. 32Remember Lot’s wife. 33Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, and whoever loses it will keep it. 34I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. 35Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. 36Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.” 37The disciples asked, “Lord, where will this happen?” Jesus answered: “Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.” – Word of salvation.

Reflection:

Many people, including followers of Christ, lead lives focused only on earthly things, attached to material goods. Destruction and death took Noah and Lot’s countrymen by surprise. They were two models to imitate in detachment and self-denial; in zeal for the things of God and in faith. It is important to pay attention, because the “day of the Son of Man” will also come. The path to salvation is a path of renouncing one’s own selfishness and dedication to practicing justice. “Losing one’s life” is, in fact, guiding it in the right direction, placing it at the service of the Master. In some way, there will be a definitive judgment, crowning and glory for those who remain faithful to Christ and his Kingdom. However, each person’s salvation happens day by day, in their personal history.

(Day by Day with the Gospel 2024)