Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

World Day of the Poor
In other years: The Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink
Mass: Da 12:1-3; Resp Ps 16; Heb 10:11-14, 18; Mk 13:24-32

Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.

On this World Day of the Poor, one would be hard pressed to find a more all-encompassing intercessory prayer: 

For the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the sick, the aged, the lonely, the grieving, those who are out of work, those who are facing financial difficulties, and those who have no one to pray for them: that God will raise them up and answer their needs.

(Magnificat, Prayer of the Faithful, November 18, 2018)

One thing to keep in mind is that the poor person is not far away. The poor are found next door, in the office, sitting next to you in class or on the bus, in line in the supermarket, in your own home, the one sitting across from you at table. 'Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away' (Mk 13:31), says the Lord. The Prophet Daniel heard this word of the Lord: 'The wise will shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like stars forever' (Da 12:3).

Stretch out your hand to us, Lord, and take hold of us. Help us to love as you love. Teach us to leave behind all that is passing, to be a source of reassurance to those around us, and to give freely to all those in need. 

Amen.

(Pope Francis, homily, November 18, 2018)