First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20a
Reflection:
In this Sunday’s first reading, we hear about the judgment of the wicked and the vindication of the righteous at the end of time. A theme of this Sunday’s readings is the “Day of the Lord,” which is a reference in Scripture to judgment day. This is a theme the Church usually focuses on at the end of the liturgical year, which concludes with the Solemnity of Christ the King next Sunday (followed by the beginning of a new liturgical year with the start of Advent the Sunday after that). In the gospel reading, we will hear Jesus’ warnings about coming judgment. The intention of focusing on this theme in the readings is to help us prepare for that day. Will we be counted amongst “the proud and evildoers,” or will we be amongst those “who fear [the Lord]”? The “Day of the Lord” will be a day of rejoicing for the latter, but a day of lament and destruction for the former. Let us strive to be in the latter group by allowing the “healing rays” of Jesus to transform us from sinners into saints.
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Reflection:
The second reading is once again from one of the letters of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. The Christians in Thessalonica were especially enthralled with the “end times.” They expected Jesus’ return and the end of the world to take place in their lifetimes, having bought into the teachings of doomsday preachers. In fact, many in the Christian community had even quit their jobs to await the “Day of the Lord,” and were relying on the hard work of others to provide for their daily needs, including food. Paul warned against this thinking and practice in his letters to them. He encouraged the Thessalonians to not be led astray by those who would incite hysteria but, rather, to return to their ordinary routine. At the same time, Paul did not negate that they should prepare for Jesus’ return. Jesus will return and judgment day will come. Like the Thessalonians, we must ask the question, will I be ready when that day comes? It shouldn’t cause us to panic but to focus on what is most important in life: our relationship with the Lord. If we do that, judgment day is not be something to fear but to rejoice in being among the righteous who are saved.
Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5-19
Reflection:
In this Sunday’s gospel reading, Jesus prophesied that the Temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. This was unimaginable for the Jews at that time because the Temple was the center of their lives. It was there that they encountered God and offered animal sacrifices for their sins. The Temple also served as the center of their political and economic lives. The destruction of the Temple would, therefore, symbolize the end of the world for the Jews. The Temple had been destroyed once before in 587 B.C. by the Babylons, which was followed by the exile of the Jews. That served as one of the darkest periods of history for them. In this passage, Jesus predicted the destruction of the Second Temple, which did in fact took place in A.D. 70 (about 40 years after Jesus spoke these words). Surrounding this event, there were many cataclysmic occurrences, like wars, earthquakes, famines, and plagues. Furthermore, during the time leading up to the destruction of the Temple, Jesus told his followers that they would experience severe persecutions and even martyrdom. This all took place. In the years between Jesus’ resurrection and the destruction of the Temple, all but one of the Apostles (John being the exception) were killed for their faith in Christ. Many other Christians suffered dearly and were killed for their faith too. Then, in the late 60s, the Jews revolted against their Roman oppressors, which began the Jewish War. This war culminated with the Romans sacking the city of Jerusalem and destroying the Temple. History records that Christians in Jerusalem heeded Jesus’ warning at that time and fled from the city before the final destruction. As a result, not a single Christian was killed in the destruction of Jerusalem. The judgment on Jerusalem in A.D. 70 foreshadowed the final “Day of the Lord” at the end of time when everyone will be judged for their deeds. In the midst of the trials and tribulations that are part of human history leading up to that time, we are called to follow Jesus’ instructions to be his witnesses to an unbelieving world and to persevere to the end. As chaotic as our world can be sometimes, let us find courage to spread the hope and peace that Jesus offers and stay true to our faith even when facing opposition.
Application:
One day Jesus will return and although we don’t know the day or the hour, we must not be caught unprepared. Whether Jesus returns in our lifetime or not, we will all meet him at the end of our earthly lives. Are you ready for that encounter? What are you doing to prepare? How can you grow in your relationship with Christ and turn away from sin in order to be ready?
