EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Destruction of the Temple Foretold, The Signs of the End, & The Coming Persecution
While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, "All that you see here--
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."
Then they asked him,
"Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
He answered,
"See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,' and 'The time has come.'
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Then he said to them,
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
"Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
Servant of God Thea Bowman (Feast Day March 30)
December 29, 1937-March 30, 1990
Born and raised in Canton, Mississippi, Bertha Elizabeth Bowman was the daughter of a physician and a teacher. She converted to Catholicism as a child, after learning about the faith from her teachers, who were Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. Bertha was drawn to the example of how Catholics love and care for each other, but most notably, she knew that God was indeed the God of the poor and oppressed.
At the age of 15, Bertha left her home in Mississippi to enter the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She was the only African American member in the convent and took the name Sister Mary Thea. Sister Thea was inspired by the Second Vatican Council to rediscover her African American religious heritage and spirituality; she used her knowledge of her culture to inform her work in service to the Gospel. She became a highly acclaimed evangelist, teacher, writer, and singer, known for enriching the message of God's love with the beauty of her African American culture. Sr. Thea was instrumental in the 1987 publication of Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal.
When she returned to her hometown to care for her aging parents, Sr. Thea worked with the Diocese of Jackson to build intercultural awareness in the Church. She gave inspirational presentations to Black congregations all over the United States and the world, calling Catholics to celebrate their differences and retain their cultures in a way that was faithful to the Church and celebrated being one in Christ. Sr. Thea died in 1990 after a six-year battle with breast cancer.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
In today's Gospel, Jesus describes some terrible events but reminds us of God's care for us always. Share a time when you felt God's care during a difficult time.
Jesus warns that his followers will face persecution for their beliefs. Share a time when you were teased or mistreated for your beliefs.
Do you think it is easy to trust God when difficult things happen? Why or why not?
Servant of God Thea Bowman showed how it can be important to look to our heritage and traditions to help us celebrate and share our faith today. What is one way you see that happening in your family?
FAMILY FUN
Memorial Stones
Create a memorial stone for a loved one who has passed. You may place it at their headstone in the cemetery or even in a special place in a garden bed at your home.
There are several ways to create your stone. DIY kits can be purchased at craft stores. Alternatively, you can purchase wood discs or find large flat stones. Write a message or paint a picture on the surface that reminds you of Jesus' love for us. You can use paint pens or Sharpies. Consider decorating a terracotta pot as an alternate option. When done, it's best to spray it with a clear acrylic sealer to protect it from the sun and weather.
The month of November is dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. Consider praying for the souls in Purgatory with the prayer of St. Gertrude at this link: The Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great for the Souls in Purgatory.
Plan to spend a few moments in prayer by your Memorial Stone offering a special prayer for your loved one, such as the prayer below:
Eternal Rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Mississippi Mud Pie
Enjoy this delicious recipe in honor of Mississippi-born Thea Bowman!
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup butter, softened
1 package (5.9 oz.) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 container (16 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
Toasted chopped pecans and chocolate curls, optional
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, beat flour, pecans and butter until blended. Press into the bottom of a 13 x 9-in. baking dish. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove to a wire rack; cool completely.
Make chocolate pudding according to package directions; let stand 5 minutes. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth; fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust. Spread pudding over cream cheese layer, top with remaining whipped topping. If desired, top with additional pecans and chocolate curls.
FAMILY PRAYER
One Day at a Time
This prayer reminds us to ask for God's wisdom when things feel overwhelming.
Lord,
I know you love me
and have great plans for me.
But sometimes I am overwhelmed
by the thought of my future.
Show me how to walk forward
one day at a time.
May I take heart while I search openly
for what it is you want me
to do with my life.
Inspire in me wisdom and understanding
to see your vision for my life
and respond with openness to
whatever you call me to be.
Show me your way Lord!
Amen.
Prayer #39 from http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/prayers-for-vocations.cfm
LITURGY LINK
A stone or plaque is often placed near the entrance of a church to remember the year it was built.
Find the one in your church. How old is your church?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Reflect on the African Spiritual Lead Me, Guide Me by listening and reading the lyrics. Reflect on the lyrics and think about how Servant of God Thea Bowman lived out her vocation and how it inspires you to pursue yours!
FUN FACTS
November is Black Catholic History Month. Visit https://nbccongress.org/ for resources provided by the National Black Catholic Congress.
