MY daily reflection and prayer: Sunday, November 13, 2016
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to St. Luke 21:5-19
And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?” And he said, “Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, `I am he!’ and, `The time is at hand!’ Do not go.after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
The Gospel today tells us about Jesus Christ who foretells many signs that will shake peoples and nations. God works through many events and signs to purify and renew us in hope and in his mercy. It helps us set our hearts more firmly on him alone.
Jesus Christ wants to remind us to recognize the signs of God’s judgment, mercy, and grace to save us. He tells us that there will be trials, suffering, and persecution in this present age until he comes again at the end of the world. But he also tells us that we do not need to fear those who would oppose us or treat us harshly for following him. Even, he promises to give us supernatural strength, wisdom, and courage as we take a stand for our faith and witness to his truth, love and mercy.
We just need to endure to the end. Endurance never gives up hope in his love and mercy. Endurance is an essential strength which God gives to us who put our trust in him. It is the patience which never gives up hope, never yields to despair or hatred.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist, while adoring Jesus Christ we learn to endure to the end in his love and mercy. There he will enable us to bear up under any temptation.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, you are our supreme model and pioneer who have endured the cross for our salvation. In you, God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners you died for us. Grant us endurance which never gives up hope in your love and mercy forever and ever. Amen.
