Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 159
Lectionary: 159
Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,
when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,
and the day that is coming will set them on fire,
leaving them neither root nor branch,
says the LORD of hosts.
But for you who fear my name, there will arise
the sun of justice with its healing rays.
when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,
and the day that is coming will set them on fire,
leaving them neither root nor branch,
says the LORD of hosts.
But for you who fear my name, there will arise
the sun of justice with its healing rays.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
R. (cf. 9) The
Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to rule the earth,
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to rule the earth,
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Reading 22 THES 3:7-12
Brothers and sisters:
You know how one must imitate us.
For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,
nor did we eat food received free from anyone.
On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day
we worked, so as not to burden any of you.
Not that we do not have the right.
Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you,
so that you might imitate us.
In fact, when we were with you,
we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work,
neither should that one eat.
We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a
disorderly way,
by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.
Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly
and to eat their own food.
You know how one must imitate us.
For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,
nor did we eat food received free from anyone.
On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day
we worked, so as not to burden any of you.
Not that we do not have the right.
Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you,
so that you might imitate us.
In fact, when we were with you,
we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work,
neither should that one eat.
We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a
disorderly way,
by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.
Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly
and to eat their own food.
AlleluiaLK 21:28
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 21:5-19
While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here--
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
“Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here--
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
“Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
Meditation: "Take heed that you are not led
astray"
How would you respond if
someone prophesied that your home, land, or place of worship would be
destroyed? Jesus foretold many signs that would shake peoples and nations. The
signs which God uses are meant to point us to a higher spiritual truth and
reality of his kingdom which does not perish or fade away, but endures for all
eternity. God works through many events and signs to purify and renew us in
hope and to help us set our hearts more firmly on him and him alone.
First signs of the end
times
To the great consternation of the Jews, Jesus prophesied the destruction of their great temple at Jerusalem. The Jewish people took great pride in their temple, a marvel of the ancient world. The foretelling of this destruction was a dire warning of spiritual judgment in itself. They asked Jesus for a sign that would indicate when this disastrous event would occur. Jesus admonished them to not look for signs that would indicate the exact timing of impending destruction, but rather to pray for God's intervention of grace and mercy.
To the great consternation of the Jews, Jesus prophesied the destruction of their great temple at Jerusalem. The Jewish people took great pride in their temple, a marvel of the ancient world. The foretelling of this destruction was a dire warning of spiritual judgment in itself. They asked Jesus for a sign that would indicate when this disastrous event would occur. Jesus admonished them to not look for signs that would indicate the exact timing of impending destruction, but rather to pray for God's intervention of grace and mercy.
Jesus said there would
be many signs of impending conflicts and disasters - such as wars, famines,
diseases, tidal waves, and earthquakes - which would precede the struggles of
the last days when God's anointed King would return to usher in the full reign
of God over the earth. In that day when the Lord returns there will be a final
judgement of the living and the dead when the secrets of every heart will be
brought to light (Luke 12:2-3; Romans 2:16).
Jesus foretells the
destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem
Jesus' prophecy of the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem was a two-edged sword, because it pointed not only to God's judgment, but also to his saving action and mercy. Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the dire consequences for all who would reject him and his saving message. While the destruction of Jerusalem's temple was determined (it was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D.), there remained for its inhabitants a narrow open door leading to deliverance. Jesus said: "I am the door; whoever enters by me will be saved" (John 10:9). Jesus willingly set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing that he would meet betrayal, rejection, and death on a cross. His death on the cross, however, brought about true freedom, peace, and victory over the powers of sin, evil, and death - not only for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but for all - both Jew and Gentile alike – who would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Do you know the peace and security of a life submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ?
Jesus' prophecy of the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem was a two-edged sword, because it pointed not only to God's judgment, but also to his saving action and mercy. Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the dire consequences for all who would reject him and his saving message. While the destruction of Jerusalem's temple was determined (it was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D.), there remained for its inhabitants a narrow open door leading to deliverance. Jesus said: "I am the door; whoever enters by me will be saved" (John 10:9). Jesus willingly set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing that he would meet betrayal, rejection, and death on a cross. His death on the cross, however, brought about true freedom, peace, and victory over the powers of sin, evil, and death - not only for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but for all - both Jew and Gentile alike – who would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Do you know the peace and security of a life submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ?
We need to recognize the
signs of God's judgment, mercy, and grace to save us
Sometimes we don't recognize the moral crisis and spiritual conflict of the age in which we live, until something "shakes us up" to the reality of this present condition. God reminds us that a future judgment and outcome awaits every individual who has lived on this earth. The reward for doing what is right and pleasing to God and the penalty for sinful rebellion and rejection of God are not always experienced in this present life - but they are sure to come in the day of final judgment.
Sometimes we don't recognize the moral crisis and spiritual conflict of the age in which we live, until something "shakes us up" to the reality of this present condition. God reminds us that a future judgment and outcome awaits every individual who has lived on this earth. The reward for doing what is right and pleasing to God and the penalty for sinful rebellion and rejection of God are not always experienced in this present life - but they are sure to come in the day of final judgment.
The Lord Jesus tells us
that there will be trials, suffering, and persecution in this present age until
he comes again at the end of the world. God intends our anticipation of his
final judgment to be a powerful deterrent to unfaithfulness and wrongdoing. God
extends grace and mercy to all who will heed his call and his warning. Do not
pass up, even for one day, God's invitation of grace and mercy to seek first
his kingdom of righteousness and peace. This day may be your only chance before
that final day comes.
Satan destroys and kills - God restores and gives life
The real enemy of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - is Satan (also called Lucifer), the powerful leader of the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who were cast out of heaven. Satan opposes God and all who follow his rule of peace and righteousness (moral goodness) on the earth. Jesus calls Satan a "murderer" who turns brother against brother and the "father of lies" who twists the truth and speaks falsehood (John 8:44). Satan not only opposes God's rule, he seeks to destroy all who would obey God. Satan will use any means possible to turn people away from God. He tempts people through envy, deception, hatred, and fear to provoke hostility towards those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
The real enemy of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - is Satan (also called Lucifer), the powerful leader of the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who were cast out of heaven. Satan opposes God and all who follow his rule of peace and righteousness (moral goodness) on the earth. Jesus calls Satan a "murderer" who turns brother against brother and the "father of lies" who twists the truth and speaks falsehood (John 8:44). Satan not only opposes God's rule, he seeks to destroy all who would obey God. Satan will use any means possible to turn people away from God. He tempts people through envy, deception, hatred, and fear to provoke hostility towards those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is Jesus' response
to hostility and persecution? Love, forbearance, and forgiveness. Only love -
the love which is rooted in God's great compassion and faithfulness - can
overcome prejudice, hatred, and envy. God's love purifies our heart and mind of
all that would divide and tear people apart. Knowing God as our compassionate
Father and loving God's word of truth and righteousness (moral goodness) is essential
for overcoming evil. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear those who would
oppose us or treat us harshly for following the Lord Jesus. He promises to give
us supernatural strength, wisdom, and courage as we take a stand for our faith
and witness to the truth and love of Christ.
The Gospel is good news
for the whole world because it is God's eternal word of truth, love, pardon,
and salvation (being set free from sin and evil) through his Son, Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus has won the victory for us through his atoning death on the
cross for our sins and his rising from the grave - his resurrection power that
brings abundant life and restoration for us. That is why the Gospel has power
to set people free from sin, fear and death, and bring peace, pardon, and new
life.
Endurance never gives up
hope in God
Jesus tells his disciples that if they endure to the end they will gain their lives - they will inherit abundant life and lasting happiness with God. Endurance is an essential strength which God gives to those who put their trust in him. Endurance is the patience which never gives up hope, never yields to despair or hatred. Patience is long-suffering because it looks beyond the present difficulties and trials and sees the reward which comes to those who persevere with hope and trust in God. That is why godly endurance is more than human effort. It is first and foremost a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial or temptation.
Jesus tells his disciples that if they endure to the end they will gain their lives - they will inherit abundant life and lasting happiness with God. Endurance is an essential strength which God gives to those who put their trust in him. Endurance is the patience which never gives up hope, never yields to despair or hatred. Patience is long-suffering because it looks beyond the present difficulties and trials and sees the reward which comes to those who persevere with hope and trust in God. That is why godly endurance is more than human effort. It is first and foremost a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial or temptation.
Endurance is linked with
godly hope - the supernatural assurance that we will see God face to face and
inherit all the promises he has made. Jesus is our supreme model and pioneer
who endured the cross for our sake (Hebrews 12:2). "God shows his love for
us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
Jesus willingly shed his blood for us - to win for us pardon and peace with
God. Our joy and privilege is to take up our cross each day to follow the Lord
Jesus.
True martyrs live and
die as witnesses of Christ and the Gospel of peace
The word "martyr" in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelation says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed." Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church.
The word "martyr" in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelation says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed." Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church.
The third century
bishop, Cyprian said: "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to
the test, and heaven is open to martyrs. We have not enlisted in an army to
think of peace and to decline battle, for we see that the Lord has taken first
place in the conflict." True martyrs live and die as witnesses of the
Gospel. They overcome their enemies through persevering hope and courage,
undying love and forbearance, kindness, goodness, and compassion.
God may call some of us
to be martyrs who shed their blood for bearing witness to Jesus Christ. But for
most of us, our call is to be 'dry' martyrs who bear testimony to the joy and
power of the Gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions,
temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus.
We do not need to fear
our adversaries
What will attract others to the truth and power of the Gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the Gospel?
What will attract others to the truth and power of the Gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the Gospel?
"Lord Jesus Christ,
by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with
joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for
sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and death."
Daily Quote from the
early church fathers: First signs of the end times, by Maximus of Turin (died between 408-423
AD)
"Perhaps you are
anxious, brothers and sisters, at the fact that we hear constantly of the
tumult of wars and the onsets of battles. Perhaps your love is still more
anxious since these are taking place in our times. The reason is the closer we
are to the destruction of the world, the closer we are to the kingdom of the
Savior. The Lord himself says, 'In the last days nation will rise against
nation and kingdom against kingdom. When you see wars, earthquakes and famines,
know that the kingdom of God is at hand.'This nearness of wars shows us that
Christ is near." (excerpt from SERMON 85.1)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13,
LUKE 21:15-19
(Malachi 3:19-20a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12)
(Malachi 3:19-20a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12)
KEY VERSE: "The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down" (v 6).
TO KNOW: Jesus told his disciples that the magnificent temple in Jerusalem would one day be reduced to rubble. True to his word, it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The temple was a sign of God's presence on earth, and Israel believed that the desecration of the temple would herald the end of the age (Dn 9:24-27). Jesus warned his followers not to be misled by false messiahs, wars and natural disasters as proof that the time had come for his return. These events were just birth pangs of suffering that would occur in every age. Jesus' disciples must expect to share in his passion. While they would be persecuted by religious and political leaders and even members of their own families, they need not be concerned as to how they would defend themselves. They must trust in Jesus' divine presence as they faithfully witnessed to the gospel.
TO LOVE: Do I pray for all who are persecuted for their faith today?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, give me confidence when I face my adversaries.
NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK -- From November 13-19, 2016
November 13-19, 2016, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops invites families, parishes, schools, and other Catholic groups to participate in National Bible Week in celebration of the 51st Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum. This year's theme, "The Bible: A Book of Mercy," builds on this year's Jubilee Year of Mercy. Sign up: css@usccb.org
Sunday 13 November 2016
Sun 13th. 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Malachi 3:19-20. The Lord comes to rule the earth with
justice—Ps 97(98):5-9. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12. Luke 21:5-19.
‘No stone unturned’
The time will come when not a single stone
will be left. Everything will be destroyed. There'll be wars and revolutions,
earthquakes, famines and terrifying events. Jesus started addressing the whole
crowd before focussing on the disciples, warning them about what lay ahead.
Though it sounds dire, he wanted to reassure them that though there'd be many trials and difficulties, he would be there with them and that 'not a hair on their head would be lost'. Their commitment and perseverance would win them their lives.
Jesus could be talking about the present time. Like the disciples we too cling to his challenge not to be afraid.
Though it sounds dire, he wanted to reassure them that though there'd be many trials and difficulties, he would be there with them and that 'not a hair on their head would be lost'. Their commitment and perseverance would win them their lives.
Jesus could be talking about the present time. Like the disciples we too cling to his challenge not to be afraid.
ST. FRANCES CABRINI
On November 13, the universal Church honors St. Frances Xavier
Cabrini, an Italian missionary who spent much of her life working with Italian
immigrants in the United States. Mother Cabrini, who had a deathly fear of
water and drowning, crossed the Atlantic Ocean more than 30 times in service of
the Church and the people she was serving.
St. Frances Cabrini, from a young age, longed to be a
missionary in China, but God had other plans for her. Orphaned in Italy
before she was 18, she joined the Sisters of the Sacred Heart and took on the
name “Xavier” in honor of St. Francis Xavier, the great missionary to the
Orient.
At the advice of Pope Leo XIII, who told her “Not to the East,
but to the West,” she focused her missionary efforts on the United States.
Accepting Archbishop Corrigan of New York's invitation, she came to America and
spent nearly 30 years traveling back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean as
well as around the United States setting up orphanages, hospitals, convents,
and schools for the often marginalized Italian immigrants.
Eventually, St. Frances became a naturalized U.S. citizen. She
died in 1917 and was canonized in 1946, just before a new wave of immigrants
began to arrive in the U.S.
St. Frances Cabrini is the patron of immigrants.
LECTIO
DIVINA: 33RD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (C)
Lectio
Divina:
Sunday,
November 13, 2016
The discourse of Jesus on the end of time
Luke 21, 5-19
Luke 21, 5-19
1. Opening prayer
Lord, you who have made sky and earth and sea, and
everything in them; it is you who said through the Holy Spirit and speaking
through our ancestor David, your servant:
Why this uproar among the nations,
this impotent muttering of the peoples?
Kings of earth take up position,
princes plot together
against the Lord and his Anointed”.
... Stretch out your hand to heal and to work miracles and marvels through the name of your holy servant Jesus (Ac 4,24-25.30)”. Fill us with your Spirit as you gave it to the Apostles after this prayer, in the time of trial, so that we can also proclaim the Word openly and give witness as prophets of hope.
Why this uproar among the nations,
this impotent muttering of the peoples?
Kings of earth take up position,
princes plot together
against the Lord and his Anointed”.
... Stretch out your hand to heal and to work miracles and marvels through the name of your holy servant Jesus (Ac 4,24-25.30)”. Fill us with your Spirit as you gave it to the Apostles after this prayer, in the time of trial, so that we can also proclaim the Word openly and give witness as prophets of hope.
2. Lectio
a)
The context:
The
passage concerns the beginning of the discourse of Jesus on the end of the
world. The passage 21, 5-36 is a whole literary unit. Jesus is in Jerusalem, in
the entrance of the Temple, the Passion is near. The Synoptic Gospels (also see
Mt 24; Mk 13) have the so called “eschatological” discourse precede the account
of the Passion, Death and Resurrection. These are events to be read in the
light of the Passover. The language is the “apocalyptic” one. Attention is not
placed on each word, but on the announcement of the total overturn. The
community of Luke already knew about the events concerning the destruction of
Jerusalem. The Evangelist universalizes the message and makes evident the
intermediate time of the Church waiting for the coming of the Lord in glory.
Luke refers to the end of time also in other parts (12. 35-48: 17, 20;18, 18).
b) A possible division of the text:
Luke 21, 5-7: introduction
Luke 21, 8-9: initial warning
Luke 21, 10-11: the signs
Luke 21, 12-17: the disciples put to the test
Luke 21, 18-19: protection and trust
Luke 21, 8-9: initial warning
Luke 21, 10-11: the signs
Luke 21, 12-17: the disciples put to the test
Luke 21, 18-19: protection and trust
c) The text:
5 When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was
adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, he said, 6 '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.' 7 And they put to him this
question, 'Master,' they said, 'when will this happen, then, and what sign will
there be that it is about to take place?'
8 But he said, 'Take care not to be deceived, because many will come using my name and saying, "I am the one" and "The time is near at hand." Refuse to join them. 9 And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once.'
10 Then he said to them, 'Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven. 12 'But before all this happens, you will be seized and persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name 13 -and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Make up your minds not to prepare your defence, 15 because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. 17 You will be hated universally on account of my name, 18 but not a hair of your head will be lost. 19 Your perseverance will win you your lives.
8 But he said, 'Take care not to be deceived, because many will come using my name and saying, "I am the one" and "The time is near at hand." Refuse to join them. 9 And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once.'
10 Then he said to them, 'Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven. 12 'But before all this happens, you will be seized and persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name 13 -and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Make up your minds not to prepare your defence, 15 because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. 17 You will be hated universally on account of my name, 18 but not a hair of your head will be lost. 19 Your perseverance will win you your lives.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate and enlighten our life.
4. A few questions
- Which sentiments prevail in me: anguish, fear, trust, hope,
doubt...
- Where is the Good News in this discourse?
- Do we love what we expect and do we conform ourselves to its demands?
- How do I react to trials in my life of faith?
- Can I make a connection with the present historical events?
- What place does Jesus have in history today?
- Where is the Good News in this discourse?
- Do we love what we expect and do we conform ourselves to its demands?
- How do I react to trials in my life of faith?
- Can I make a connection with the present historical events?
- What place does Jesus have in history today?
5. Meditatio
a) A key for reading:
Let us not allow ourselves to be attracted by the exterior
upheavals, typical of the apocalyptic language, but by the interior ones, which
are necessary, which pre-announce and prepare the encounter with the Lord. Even
being aware that today also, in different parts of the world “apocalyptic”
situations are being lived, it is possible to make a personalized reading, certainly
not an evasive one which shifts the attention to personal responsibility. Luke,
regarding the other Evangelists, underlines that the end has not come, that it
is necessary to live the waiting with commitment. Let us open our eyes on the
tragedies of our time, not to be prophets of misfortune, but courageous
prophets of a new order based on justice and peace.
b) Comment:
[5] “When some were talking about the Temple remarking how it
was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings”, he said: Probably
Jesus was in the entrance of the Temple, considered the reference to the votive
offerings. Luke does not specify who are the listeners, it is directed to all,
he universalizes the eschatological discourse. This discourse can refer to the
end of time, but also to our personal end, the proper time of life. In common
there is the definitive encounter with the Risen Lord.
[6] “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”. Jesus
introduces a language of misfortune (17, 22; 19, 43) and repeats the
admonitions of the prophets concerning the Temple (Micah 3,12; Jer 7, 1-15; 26,
1-19). It is also a consideration on the caducity of every human realization,
no matter how marvellous. The community of Luke already knew about the
destruction of Jerusalem (year 70). Let us consider our attitude towards the
things that end with time.
[7] They asked him: ‘Master, when will this happen, then, and
what sign will there be that it is about to take place’?” the listeners
are interested in the external upheavals which characterize this event. Jesus
does not respond to this specific question. The “when” is not placed by Luke in
relation with the destruction of Jerusalem. He underlines that the end “will
not be immediately” (verse 9) and “that before all this...” (v. 12) others
things will happen. He questions us on the relation between the historical
events and the fulfilment of the history of salvation. The time of man and the
time of God.
[8] He answered: “Take care not to be deceived, because many
will come using my name and saying: ‘I am the one’ and ‘the time is near at
hand’. Refuse to join them”. In regard to the other Evangelists, Luke adds
the reference to time. The community of the first Christians is
overcoming the phase of the next coming of the Lord and prepares itself
for the intermediate time of the Church. Jesus recommends not to allow
themselves to be deceived or better, to be seduced by impostors. There are two
types of false prophets: those who pretend to come in the name of Jesus saying
“I am the one” and those who affirm that the time is near at hand, that the day
is already known (10, 11; l9, 11).
[9] “When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified,
for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at
once”. Even the war events, and today we would say, the terrorist acts,
are not the beginning of the end. All this happens but it is not a sign of the
end. (Dn 3, 28. Luke wants to warn them about the illusion of the imminent end
of time with the consequent disillusionment and abandonment of faith.
[10] “Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom.
[11] There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven”. The words “and then he said” is a repetition of the discourse after the initial warnings. This is fully apocalyptic language which means revelation (Is 19,2; 2 Co 15, 6) and at the same time concealment. Traditional images are used to describe the rapid changes of history (Is 24,19-20; Zc 14,4-5; Ez 6.11-12, etc.). The imaginary catastrophic is like a curtain which hides the beauty of the scene which is behind: the coming of the Lord in glory. (v. 27).
[11] There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven”. The words “and then he said” is a repetition of the discourse after the initial warnings. This is fully apocalyptic language which means revelation (Is 19,2; 2 Co 15, 6) and at the same time concealment. Traditional images are used to describe the rapid changes of history (Is 24,19-20; Zc 14,4-5; Ez 6.11-12, etc.). The imaginary catastrophic is like a curtain which hides the beauty of the scene which is behind: the coming of the Lord in glory. (v. 27).
[12] “But before all this happens, you will be seized and
persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and
brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name.”
[13] “and that will be your opportunity to bear
witness”. The Christian is called to conform himself to Christ. They have
persecuted me, they will also persecute you. Luke recalls the scene of Paul
before King Agrippa and Governor Festo (Ac 25, 23-26, 32). Behold the time of
trial. Not necessarily under the form of persecution. Saint Teresa of the Child
Jesus suffered during 18 months, the absence of God, when she discovered her
illness. A time of purification which prepares for the encounter. It is the normal
condition of the Christian, that of living in a healthy tension which is not
frustration. Christians are called to give witness of the hope which animates
them.
[14] “Make up your minds not to prepare your defence;
[15] because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict”. the time has come to place our trust completely in God, God alone suffices. It is that same wisdom with which Stephen confused his enemies (Ac 6,10). The capacity to resist to persecution is guaranteed for the believer.
[15] because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict”. the time has come to place our trust completely in God, God alone suffices. It is that same wisdom with which Stephen confused his enemies (Ac 6,10). The capacity to resist to persecution is guaranteed for the believer.
[16] “You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers,
relations and friends, and some of you will be put to death”.
[17] “You will be hated universally on account of my name. The radical following of Christ implies also the overcoming of blood relations, those which affectively we believed to be more secure. There is the risk of remaining alone, like Jesus in his Passion.
[17] “You will be hated universally on account of my name. The radical following of Christ implies also the overcoming of blood relations, those which affectively we believed to be more secure. There is the risk of remaining alone, like Jesus in his Passion.
[18] “But not a hair of your head will be lost”. Luke
repeats the preceding verse (12,7) to remind us of the divine protection which
is assured at the moment of trial. For the believer is also guaranteed the care
of his physical integrity.
[19] “Your perseverance will win you your
lives.” Perseverance (cf. also Ac 11,23: 13, 43; 14, 22) is indispensable
in order to bear fruit (8, 15), in the daily trials and in persecutions. It
means the same as the “remain” in Christ of John. The final victory is certain:
the Kingdom of God will be established by the Son of man. Therefore, then, it
is necessary to be persevering, vigilant and in prayer (v. 36 and 12, 35-38).
The life-style of the Christian has to be a sign of the future which will come.
6. Oratio: Psalm 98
Sing a new song to the Lord
Acclaim Yahweh, all the earth,
burst into shouts of joy!
Play to Yahweh on the harp,
to the sound of instruments;
to the sound of trumpet and horn,
acclaim the presence of the King.
Let the sea thunder, and all that it holds,
the world and all who live in it.
Let the rivers clap their hands,
and the mountains shout for joy together,
at Yahweh's approach,
for he is coming to judge the earth;
he will judge the world with saving justice
and the nations with fairness.
burst into shouts of joy!
Play to Yahweh on the harp,
to the sound of instruments;
to the sound of trumpet and horn,
acclaim the presence of the King.
Let the sea thunder, and all that it holds,
the world and all who live in it.
Let the rivers clap their hands,
and the mountains shout for joy together,
at Yahweh's approach,
for he is coming to judge the earth;
he will judge the world with saving justice
and the nations with fairness.
7. Contemplatio
Good God, whose Kingdom is all love and peace, you yourself create
in our soul that silence that you need to communicate yourself to it.
Peaceful acting, desiring without passion, zeal without agitation: all that can only come from You, Eternal Wisdom, Infinite activity, unalterable repose, principle and model of true peace.
You have promised us, by your prophets this peace, you have given it by Jesus Christ, you have given us the guarantee with the effusion of your Spirit.
Do not permit that the envy of the enemy, the anxiety of passions, the scruples of conscience make us lose this heavenly gift, which is the pledge of your love, the object of your promises, the reward of the Blood of your Son. Amen. (Teresa of Avila, 38, 9-10).
Peaceful acting, desiring without passion, zeal without agitation: all that can only come from You, Eternal Wisdom, Infinite activity, unalterable repose, principle and model of true peace.
You have promised us, by your prophets this peace, you have given it by Jesus Christ, you have given us the guarantee with the effusion of your Spirit.
Do not permit that the envy of the enemy, the anxiety of passions, the scruples of conscience make us lose this heavenly gift, which is the pledge of your love, the object of your promises, the reward of the Blood of your Son. Amen. (Teresa of Avila, 38, 9-10).
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