Saturday, November 16, 2019
33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Green.
Mal 3: 19 – 20a / 2 Thes 3: 7 – 12 / Lk 21: 5 – 19
FROM THE 1ST READING: Mal 3: 19 – 20a
The day already comes, flaming as a furnace. On that day all the proud and evildoers will be burned like straw in the fire. They will be left without branches or roots. On the other hand the sun of justice will shine upon you who respect my Name and bring health in its rays.
From the 2nd Reading: 2 Thes 3: 7 – 10
You know how you ought to follow our example: we worked while we were with you. Day and night we labored and toiled so as not to be a burden to any of you. We had the right to act otherwise, but we wanted to give you an example.
Besides, while we were with you, we said clearly: If anyone is not willing to work, neither should that one eat.
FROM THE GOSPEL READING: Lk 21: 5 – 15
While some people were talking about the Temple, remarking that it was adorned with fine stonework and rich gifts, Jesus said to them, "The days will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another of all that you now admire; all will be torn down." And they asked him "Master, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?"
Jesus then said, "Take care not to be deceived, for many will come claiming my title and saying: 'I am he, the Messiah; the time is at hand.' Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and troubled times, don't be frightened; for all this must happen first, even though the end is not so soon."
And Jesus said, "Nations will fight each other and kingdom will oppose kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and plagues; in many places strange and terrifying signs from heaven will be seen. Before all this happens, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the Jewish courts and put in prison, and for my sake you will be brought before kings and governors. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to answer, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict."
REFLECTION
All of us have dreams, ambitions and goals in our lives. Though we work very hard, rarely are all dreams, ambitions and goals fully achieved. There will always be problems and obstacles on the way.
Ultimately the goal of all is salvation and enduring happiness.
Jesus preached this goal of salvation and eternal life with God; he also proclaimed that the kingdom of God is already with us and yet not fully with us. He lived and died for us to show us how to live for eternal life. He called on all his followers to mirror his life and values, as evidence of God's presence and kingdom in our midst.
In today's Gospel reading Jesus tells us of hindrances and obstacles in our quest for happiness and eternal life. Self-proclaimed false prophets could lead us astray; those who follow Christ would be misunderstood, mistreated and even persecuted. In all these challenges and obstacles, Jesus assures us of his support.
The first reading from the prophet Malachi assures us of the triumph of God's justice: the wicked will be punished and destroyed while the just will shine in the presence of God.
The saints and blessed in heaven serve as examples and models for us in our quest for God and eternal happiness: with God's grace, despite all troubles, obstacles and difficulties, we can reach our goal.
We pray that we may truly take heart in pursuing our eternal goal with the accompaniment and grace of God. May we persist and persevere in this lifelong arduous task.
FINALLY, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.
Have a good day!
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