First reading Malachi 3:19-20
For you the sun of righteousness will shine out
The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.
Responsorial Psalm 97(98):5-9
The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.
Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp
with the sound of music.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
acclaim the King, the Lord.
Let the sea and all within it, thunder;
the world, and all its peoples.
Let the rivers clap their hands
and the hills ring out their joy
at the presence of the Lord.
For the Lord comes,
he comes to rule the earth.
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with fairness.
Second reading 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Do not let anyone have food if he refuses to work
You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.
We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.
Gospel Luke 21:5-19
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.
‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’
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God, our constant
In today’s gospel, the disciples were awestruck by the stunning beauty of the Temple, captivated by its grand, massive stones. However, Jesus responded, revealing that this magnificent Temple, which inspired such admiration, would eventually face destruction. This serves as a reminder of the impermanence of even the most impressive human-made structures. Through this message, Jesus urges us to recognise that all worldly pursuits and achievements—such as material possessions, status, and fame—are fleeting and temporary. As stated in the book of Ecclesiasticus 1:2-3, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?” We are invited to place our security in God alone, for He is the only constant.
When we choose to realign our lives with God and prioritise our relationship with Him over worldly achievements, we often encounter opposition and criticism from those around us. This shift in focus can challenge societal norms and expectations, leading others to question our choices or dismiss our values. In such moments of difficulty, Jesus reassures us not to be afraid, as He will provide us with the strength and wisdom we need. Our faith will empower us to endure any challenge.
Reflective question:
How does today’s gospel help me in facing the trials and uncertainties of life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
