Focus

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time 17 November 2019
First reading Malachi 3:19-20

See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.

Second reading                                                          2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Sisters and brothers, you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labour we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate.

For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

Gospel                                                                          Luke 21:5-19

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?”

Then he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.”

Then he aid to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by 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 of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.”

Reflection

By Anabelle P. Balla

Lord, help us to be more like You!

I like being surrounded by plants and trees. I don’t mind the variety - ornamental, fruit-bearing, vegetables, herbs, orchids, succulents, etc. I am so amazed with their beauty that I tend to collect and plant them all! I spend time, effort, and resources to look after them. And because I focus on them, they grow, they grow fast, and bear fruits or flowers and multiply!

Growth or improvement happens when a person focuses on something.  Imagine focusing on getting yourself better – learning new skills, gaining new knowledge, getting more fit, becoming a better and happy person. It is highly possible. It can happen. And the good news is that, it is within our control! We can choose what to do with our time, our effort and our resources. We can.

We just need to focus. Little by little, every day. Little by little, allow Jesus to help change us for the better. Be a little kinder, gentler, helpful, compassionate and more loving so that one day, we become more like Jesus. And in His grace, we will be saved.

Prayer

Father, help us to persevere to be the best version of ourselves, for You, in Your honor and glory , and for our salvation. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.