When I was a kid growing up in New England, I’d occasionally go on a whale watch. Once we went out with calm waters and clear skies. But on the way back in, the sea got rough. I was just a kid, and I remember thinking we should turn left or right toward the shoreline I could see. But the pilot of the boat kept going straight — right into the waves — focused on a small, discouragingly distant lighthouse. Even when it flickered in and out of sight, he stayed the course. He knew where he was going.
That image comes to mind when I hear Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel regarding false messiahs: “Do not follow them” (Luke 21:8). In times of chaos or uncertainty, there are always voices offering easier routes, promising false safety, claiming to speak for God. But Jesus isn’t found in the loudest voice or the nearest shoreline. He is steady, like a lighthouse in the storm.
The tribulation of which Jesus speaks — it’s real. It happened to the Temple, it happened to him, it happens in the Church, and it will come to each of us. But the command is not to panic. It’s to endure. To keep steering toward him. Faith isn’t about having all the answers or dodging every wave. It’s about knowing where the lighthouse is — and trusting it enough to keep going, especially when false safety beckons us to stop. — Father John Muir ©LPi
General Mass Notes
Welcome
Welcome to our Eucharistic Celebration on this Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and...
Please stand for our procession.
Mass Intentions
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that we may remain faithful to the gospel and be ever ready for the day of judgment, let us pray to the Lord.
B. That those in public office may work to lift up the poor and raise up those on the margins of the society, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For judges, attorneys, and all those who interpret and apply the laws of our land, that they may always do so with justice, fairness, and mercy, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For those whose anxiety about the future makes it difficult for them to cope, that they may be comforted, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For those crossing the threshold from this life to the next, that they may sense the presence of God in their midst, let us pray to the Lord.
F. For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts; for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, and for (read all intentions from 1st page), let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
1. Next week, we'll have our annual second collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. This campaign provides funding to groups whose activities reflect Catholic moral and social teaching on human life and dignity. CCHD is an example of how the Catholic community reaches out to involve and support people who are poor in acting together to improve their lives, overcome injustice and escape poverty. CCHD is a sign of how the Church lives out the call from Scripture and Tradition to give special concern and priority to the needs of those who are poor and vulnerable. We thank you for your generosity.
2. The Parish is selling Advent reflection books. These books offer a simple yet enriching reflection for every day during Advent. The books can be purchased in our Parish Center for 2 dollars.
3. Adult Confirmation registration will be this Tuesday, November 18 from 7pm to 9pm in the Parish Center. Classes are held on Thursdays from January to April from 7pm to 9pm.
