NOVEMBER 7 Mon Weekday Ti 1:1-9/Lk 17:1-6 )

8 Tue Weekday Ti 2:1-8, 11-14/Lk 17:7-10 

9 Wed Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Feast

Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12/1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17/Jn 2:13-22 

10 Thu St Leo the Great, Pope Doctor  Memorial

Phlm 7-20/Lk 17:20-25 

11 Fri St Martin of Tours, Bishop Memorial 2 Jn 4-9/Lk 17:26-37 

12 Sat St Josaphat, Bishop Martyr Memorial 3 Jn 5-8/Lk 18:1-8 

13 SUN THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Mal 3:19-20a/2 Thes 3:7-12/Lk 21:5-19 

The weekly readings and feasts are a wonderful way to explore our faith. We’re reading from St. Luke’s Gospel most days this week. The scriptures are our first catechism. 

Then, the feasts and saints this week. The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome (Nov 9), the first of the great churches built after Constantine brought an end to Christian persecutions in the 4th century. Why do we have churches anyway? This feast offers some reasons.

Pope Leo (Nov 10) is called great because he led a church threatened with destruction by barbarian armies. God always provides the leaders we need.

Martin of Tours(Nov 11), the soldier who gave half of his cloak to a freezing beggar, later revealed to be Christ. What are we doing for the poor? November 11 was chosen for his feast because it was when European farmers were butchering their cattle, getting ready for the winter. Martin reminded them to put aside something for the poor. Are we doing that?

Josephat (Nov 12)  was a bishop seeking the unity of Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. He suffered martyrdom for his efforts. Keeping our church together is a big task that concerns us all. Pope Francis was in Bahrain last week in dialogue with Moslem leaders. The religions of the world need to be in dialogue. Pope Francis is promoting that dialogue.

The readings and feasts are our catechism. Study them day by day.