33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
14 November 2010
First reading 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.
Psalm: Psalm 97:5-9
Second reading 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.
We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.
Gospel Luke 21:5-19
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.’
Reflection
By Jeanne Therese Hilario-Andres
It seems to me that this Sunday’s readings flow quite seamlessly from last week’s, when Jesus reminded us to focus on the eternal (God’s love and the joy of seeing Him face to face) rather than the ephemeral (earthly customs, desires and attachments which divert our gaze from Heaven).
Imagine that you are in the temple with Jesus when He depicts these shocking images of the future in a steady but fervent voice. You listen and try to grasp all He says, but this is what your finite human mind may retain: Upheaval. Turmoil. Suffering… You are shaken, at first, like most of the group. Jesus’ calm but candid description of the end of days- sacred buildings flattened to the ground, wars, insurrections, plagues, earthquakes, famines, heavenly signs and wonders- are certainly not easy to digest and can understandably inspire fear and dread in the best of us. On top of all these, Jesus forewarns that your faith will be tested and that many of you will suffer persecution, betrayal and harassment because of your relationship with Him.
You now look around at the others as they listen to Jesus. How do some of these people respond after hearing such words coming from Jesus, Who is reliable, truthful, and not at all prone to exaggeration? A few seem to welcome hearing about the end, looking forward to an age when all things are made fresh and new: “Come, Lord, come!” Some cower in fear and denial: “Oh, dear God, deliver us, have mercy! Don’t let these awful things happen to us!” Some are spiritually paralyzed by worry and practical concerns: “How will we survive through such dark days? I need to plan for this, stock up on food, build a shelter where my family can be safe.” Some grimly accept it with fateful indifference: “What will be, will be. Nothing I can do to stop it. May as well live my life the way I want to, and enjoy it while it lasts.” While some procrastinate, hoping that the end won’t come any time soon: “End of the age? In my lifetime? Absurd.”
Amidst the crowd’s fixation on doom and gloom, Jesus manages to catch your eye. He looks at you with love, silently imploring you to understand what He is truly saying. It can be all too easy to let the “bad stuff” imprint in our minds, overlooking what Jesus says we should do now and during those future days. Indeed, as Jesus looks at you, you hear His voice in your mind once again. And this time, as you focus solely on Him, you remember the warm reassurance and soothing comfort in His tone. His words had not been meant to alarm you. With each warning had come encouragement and strength. You reflect on His words more deeply, this time without panic, without despair, and now you remember what Jesus said with more clarity:
Be wary of false teachers. Jesus cautions us that anyone who proclaims that the end is looming close around the corner is a false prophet. Jesus is warning us not to be deceived, and not to follow any false teachings by people who seek to mislead or manipulate.
Do not be afraid. Jesus assures us that “such things must happen first,” and that no matter how bad things may seem, He is still truly in control. With Him beside us, He assures us there is nothing to fear.
Trust in Him. Even when we are hated and persecuted, Jesus says we need not over-anticipate our defense, for His Spirit will give us the words and the wisdom to give witness and defend our faith irrefutably.
And most importantly, Jesus says: Persevere. Stand firm. Continue to fight the good fight. Stay the course. Ask for grace to be faithful. Do not give up. Keep on keeping on. Our lives are safe in His hands.
Still in the temple, you look around and realize that everything is fleeting. This temple itself will someday become an archaeological site, just like all of the old monuments, fallen palaces and wonders of the ancient world. All will pass away. So why put your security in built monuments, or in anything man-made? Why place your stability on things that won’t last?
Jesus has finished speaking, but He is still looking at you. He knows it’s a lot to take in. He waits to see how you will choose to respond. What does your heart say to Him?
Lord, I do not ask to be delivered from suffering, if such suffering will lead me to You. I will not seek to escape from pain, if such pain allows me to share in Yours. I will fear no evil, for I know that You are good, You are loving, and You are in charge. Teach me to trust in Your plan for me and for my future. Give me opportunities to glorify You in my everyday life. Grant me grace to persevere with joy, no matter how hard my trials and burdens may be. Empower me with Your Spirit. Let me focus on You, and not on the darkness that grows in the world, that I may stand firm where You have placed me, in this time, in this age, in this generation. Amen.
Our Servant King
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