First reading Apocalypse 14:14-19
The harvest and the vintage of the earth are ripe
In my vision I, John, saw a white cloud and, sitting on it, one like a son of man with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the sanctuary, and shouted aloud to the one sitting on the cloud, ‘Put your sickle in and reap: harvest time has come and the harvest of the earth is ripe.’ Then the one sitting on the cloud set his sickle to work on the earth, and the earth’s harvest was reaped.
Another angel, who also carried a sharp sickle, came out of the temple in heaven, and the angel in charge of the fire left the altar and shouted aloud to the one with the sharp sickle, ‘Put your sickle in and cut all the bunches off the vine of the earth; all its grapes are ripe.’ So the angel set his sickle to work on the earth and harvested the whole vintage of the earth and put it into a huge winepress, the winepress of God’s anger.
Responsorial Psalm 95(96):10-13
The Lord comes to rule the earth.
Proclaim to the nations: ‘God is king.’
The world he made firm in its place;
he will judge the peoples in fairness.
The Lord comes to rule the earth.
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad,
let the sea and all within it thunder praise,
let the land and all it bears rejoice,
all the trees of the wood shout for joy
at the presence of the Lord for he comes,
he comes to rule the earth.
The Lord comes to rule the earth.
With justice he will rule the world,
he will judge the peoples with his truth.
The Lord comes to rule the earth.
Gospel Luke 21:5-11
The destruction of the Temple foretold
When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’
‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.’
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Building our faith relationship
Today’s gospel calls us to consider how we look at external matters and events around us. Outward appearances can distract us from recognising what truly matters in life. For example, the Temple’s impressive exterior led the people to overlook the fact that what is essential is not building physical structures but in cultivating a loving and lasting relationship with God. In our lives, what are we focussed on building? Do we prioritise building more physical structures over the development of stronger relationships with God and others? These relationships are what truly create true families and communities of faith.
Today, let us continue building our faith in God, personally and in the community. Our firm faith in God anchors us in hope. In difficult life circumstances, let us listen and believe in Jesus’ words, “Do not be frightened.” With faith, we weather through disturbing news in life, such as conflicts in the family, unexpected illnesses that strike us, failures at work, etc. We strengthen our friendship with Jesus by spending time with Him in prayer. In doing so, we walk forward with trust and patience, always accompanied by our Friend.
Reflective question:
How can I strengthen my faith relationship with God?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
