Gospel.Lk.21:5-19.
Jesus speaks concerning the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem which the Jews thought could never be destroyed. He also foretells the end of time which will be preceded by wars earthquakes, famines, terrors,…etc. False prophets too would appear. But the Lord promises to be with the faithful.
Reflection.
As we come to the end of another liturgical year, as it is customary the readings remind us about the end time. This end of time is
spoken by way of warning and instructions. Christ wants us to keep away from sin so that we will be ready for the day. The readings also show how it will happen so that we will recognize the signs and know that; it is happening. It may not happen today or tomorrow; therefore instead of idly watching and waiting, we should fulfill our daily tasks. Nevertheless we should be attached to the Lord for Christ vows to guide and protect those who are His.
In the reading ( Mal. 3:19-20a Prophet Malachi foretells about the Day of Judgment for those who were still living sinful lives. They will be set on fire while the righteous will have sunshine and healing.) prophet Malachi prophesized the Day of Judgment. On that day the evildoers will be stubble. They shall be
burned up so that neither root nor branch will be left. But to those who fear the Lord, the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. The reading warns us to be ready by way of leading a sinless life lest we be punished.
The Gospel gives us different signs that would appear. There will be wars, earthquakes, famines, terror,...etc. It also warns us of those appearing in His name and saying, “I am He.” “The time is at hand.” Christ warns us not to be deceived. The Lord promises to be with those who are faithful to Him. When they are taken before judges and governors he promises to give them words and wisdom. The only thing is that we should not be discouraged, for even if our own would put us to death. “By our endurance we
will gain our lives,” says the Lord. When all these things and happenings were
mentioned some Thessalonians gave up work and began to lead an idle life. They thought that everything would happen in a day or two and therefore St. Paul had to instruct them to carry on with their day to day work until what was foretold really happens. Thus they will not be a burden to the society. For only God knows the day and the time. We only have to go on living until those events
take place. Therefore let us not cease from performing our day to day duties while awaiting the end of time which might not happen during our own life time.
But our lives could come to an end at any time. Therefore let us always be prepared by way of living a sinless life, so that when the day comes we will be ready to go before the Lord to face His judgment and be rewarded.
But let us be attentive to the signs so that when they appear we will be able to recognize them at the first instant, so that we will not be caught unawares.
Aid Story.
When St. Chad was abbot of Lastingham, he received into the monastery a nobleman named Owini, who tells us how the saint watching the various moods of nature across the sky of the Fan country, was reminded of the eternal truths of God. Sunshine no doubt put him in mind of God’s love for us; but what Owini noticed more was St. Chad’s reaction to bad weather. When the wind began to blow threateningly he thought of God’s warnings, and he would
say; “God have mercy on all poor sinners.” When the winds rose to gale forces he would close his books and kneel in prayer, and sometimes, when the sky was darkened and lightning and thunder rent the air, he would go to the church and pray till the storm was over; Owini asked him why he did this. “Because, my son, it is the Lord who moves the air and sends the thunder and
lightning. He
sends it to put us in mind of that day when He will come in His majesty to judge the living and the dead. So in the storm we should fear and adore God and repent of our sins and pray for sinners.”
No doubt he thought of our Lord’s words; “As the lightning cometh out of the east and appeareth even unto the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.”
Aid Story 2.
The 2000 member church was filled to overflowing capacity one Sunday morning. The priest was ready to preach. Two men dressed in long black coats and black hats entered via the back of the church. They both reached under their coats and took out automatic weapons and announced, “Everyone willing to take a bullet for Jesus stay in your seat.” Naturally the pews emptied followed by the choir loft, The Deacons ran out the door too.
After few minutes, there were about 20 people left sitting in the church. The priest was holding steady in the pulpit. The men put their weapons away and said, gently. To the priest, “alright Father, the hypocrites are gone now you
may begin your service.”
Wrote: Rev.Fr. Ciswan De Croos.
Ranjan De Mel.
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