St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Grand Prairie, Texas
Gospel Meditations
November 16, 2025
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 21:5-19
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
16 de noviembre de 2025
XXXIII Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
Lucas 21:5-19
La perseverancia, ¿qué significa esta palabra tan importante? Es mantenernos firmes en nuestros planes y buenos propósitos. Perseverar en los estudios, en el trabajo y en las relaciones familiares requiere entusiasmo y energía cada día. Nada es fácil, y hoy Jesús nos invita a no tener miedo ante las adversidades y catástrofes que vemos actualmente, sino a superar las pruebas con fe y confianza en un Dios que no defrauda: "Con todo, ni un cabello de su cabeza se perderá". Y agrega otra frase que nos invita a despertar del letargo espiritual: "Manténganse firmes y se salvarán" (Lucas 21:18-19).
La liturgia de hoy nos ayuda a reflexionar sobre las muchas traiciones, hambres y guerras que azotan a nuestros hermanos y hermanas en el mundo. Sin embargo, a pesar de todo eso, caminamos con esperanza. Nada ni nadie puede arrebatarnos la seguridad de que Dios está caminando a nuestro lado. Pero no debemos dejarnos engañar dejando pasar el tiempo sin hacer nada por nuestro bien y el de los demás. "El engaño es creernos dueños del tiempo. El tiempo no es nuestro. Del tiempo existe solo un soberano: Jesucristo. No os dejéis engañar en la confusión. El cristiano se mueve por este camino del momento, con la oración y el discernimiento. Pero deja el tiempo a la esperanza. El cristiano sabe esperar al Señor en cada momento; pero espera en el Señor al final de los tiempos" (Papa Francisco).
©LPi
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Turkey Bingo
The Knights of Columbus invite you to an evening of Turkey Bingo on Saturday, November 22nd at 6:30pm in Mazaika Hall. Join in the fun and win frozen turkeys just in time for Thanksgiving. All are invited!
Winter-Fest Ticket Pre-Sale
Ready to purchase your Festival tickets and avoid the line on December 6th? Visit our table after Mass this weekend and get yours early! We will also be selling our 40th Anniversary Christmas Ornament at this time.
Showcase your talents
Do you have a talent to share? We’re looking for singers, dancers, bands, and performers of all kinds to showcase their gifts at our Parish Festival! If you’d like to be part of the entertainment lineup, please contact Raul Castro at raul.castro86@yahoo.com. Let’s celebrate our parish family with music, joy, and community spirit!
Winter Fest Decor Drive
Getting ready to update your Christmas decorations this year?
If you’re parting with large faux trees, candy canes, reindeer, lights, wrapped gifts, or other festive décor, we’d love to give them new life at our Winter Fest! Your donated items will help make our celebration extra bright and joyful. Please contact crystal@stmichaelgptx.org to let us know what you have and to receive further instructions. Decorations can either be donated or loaned based on your preference.
