First reading |
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Malachi 3:19-20 |
The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.
Responsorial Psalm |
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Psalm 97(98):5-9 |
Second reading |
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2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 |
Gospel | Luke 21:5-19 |
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When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’
‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’
‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’
By Carlo Alexis Malaluan
And so, you will bear testimony to me (Lk 21:13).
I came across a book entitled “God, Thank You for the Morning”. It was written by a Sister of Charity who helps the ‘nameless, faceless army of forgotten children fighting to survive … in a world where no one loves them’. The true-to-life stories of these children opened my eyes to the bitterness and sufferings endured by people of all ages in this hostile world. Also, it tells the stories of children who are still grateful to God for another morning in their lives. It is true that we are living in a world of pain, of brokenness, of differences and darkness. As we feel trapped in this helpless situation, we can only cry out: God, please stop the pain.
We may find today’s gospel as gloomy and gruesome. Jesus has announced that the Temple, the very center of their religious life would be destroyed. Our Lord warned us of the false prophets, of wars and uprisings, of the upcoming persecutions, of earthquakes, of famines and plagues. But in the midst of all of these, God’s voice constantly reminds us, Do not be terrified. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
Our earthly pilgrimage, if I may to compare, is like tilling the soil. God is the farmer, we are but a soil. God breaks the soil in order to plant seeds. God breaks our hearts in order to instil in us the virtues of faith and courage. We may experience difficulties, we may face life’s bitter challenges but in the end, if we persevere, all of these will come to a fruitful finish.
Now, let us bring this to the extremes, we cannot say that these words of our Lord is just a metaphor rather it is a reality that the world is experiencing. As you are comfortably scrolling through your smartphone or desktop, while reading this reflection, please think of those Christians being killed in Islamic countries. Most of them are children, just like what you have. Most of them are mothers and fathers, just like you are. And they were killed by the sole reason that they are Christians. But Jesus wants his disciples to hold onto their faith and testify to it even to the point of death. He assures them that their enduring fidelity will not go unrewarded. Their testimony for the faith is not forgotten by the God who sees all.
Not all of us need to die in odium fidei (hatred of the faith), life is full of daily martyrdom. The Risen Christ was recognized by His disciples because of His wounds. We can only be recognized as Christians by our wounds, by our wounded hearts who continue to tell the story of Christ. You and I are martyred each day as we face the harsh world, but God tells us, Do not be terrified. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
Not of this life, but of the life to come.
I came across a book entitled “God, Thank You for the Morning”. It was written by a Sister of Charity who helps the ‘nameless, faceless army of forgotten children fighting to survive … in a world where no one loves them’. The true-to-life stories of these children opened my eyes to the bitterness and sufferings endured by people of all ages in this hostile world. Also, it tells the stories of children who are still grateful to God for another morning in their lives. It is true that we are living in a world of pain, of brokenness, of differences and darkness. As we feel trapped in this helpless situation, we can only cry out: God, please stop the pain.
We may find today’s gospel as gloomy and gruesome. Jesus has announced that the Temple, the very center of their religious life would be destroyed. Our Lord warned us of the false prophets, of wars and uprisings, of the upcoming persecutions, of earthquakes, of famines and plagues. But in the midst of all of these, God’s voice constantly reminds us, Do not be terrified. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
Our earthly pilgrimage, if I may to compare, is like tilling the soil. God is the farmer, we are but a soil. God breaks the soil in order to plant seeds. God breaks our hearts in order to instil in us the virtues of faith and courage. We may experience difficulties, we may face life’s bitter challenges but in the end, if we persevere, all of these will come to a fruitful finish.
Now, let us bring this to the extremes, we cannot say that these words of our Lord is just a metaphor rather it is a reality that the world is experiencing. As you are comfortably scrolling through your smartphone or desktop, while reading this reflection, please think of those Christians being killed in Islamic countries. Most of them are children, just like what you have. Most of them are mothers and fathers, just like you are. And they were killed by the sole reason that they are Christians. But Jesus wants his disciples to hold onto their faith and testify to it even to the point of death. He assures them that their enduring fidelity will not go unrewarded. Their testimony for the faith is not forgotten by the God who sees all.
Not all of us need to die in odium fidei (hatred of the faith), life is full of daily martyrdom. The Risen Christ was recognized by His disciples because of His wounds. We can only be recognized as Christians by our wounds, by our wounded hearts who continue to tell the story of Christ. You and I are martyred each day as we face the harsh world, but God tells us, Do not be terrified. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
Not of this life, but of the life to come.
Prayer
Lord, You have told your disciples to bear everything with perseverance. Renew our faith each day, O Lord, as we face the broken world. Remind us constantly that in the face of trials and difficulties, you are there – enduring with us. Our cross is also Yours. Our pain is also Yours. Grant us the grace that by carrying our own crosses, we may testify for You and for Your glory. Amen.
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