Now we are close enough to the end of the liturgical year. We would like to thank Saint Luke for giving us all the Gospel readings from the resume of Ordinary Times up to this Sunday. And since talking about the end, the theme of the liturgy today is also eschatological. What will it be like before the end?
As a recap, last Sunday Jesus taught us that the foci of every Catholic Christians are the heavenly things which are eternal and not the worldly things that are very transitory. Before that the Gospel readings two Sundays ago showed us how Jesus also accepted the repentant publican and how a tax collector who sincerely prayed in the temple is justified. Those readings are very comforting and make us feel light.
Meanwhile, the Gospel reading today may seem to be a little bit shocking and unpleasant. Jesus is certain that nations will indulge in wars. There will again be persecutions of Christians and faithfuls will be brought to courts. That makes it even more inconvenient.
So audacious is Jesus' words that we should take note of the things that are important after all. Search for what is eternal and do not be deceived by what is temporal. We will attempt to see again how this applies to us. Many people are amazes by how the temple is decorated with all majestic jewels and precious stones but Jesus told them that one day no stones will be found over another.
When I was still studying, I often ask myself what this conversation is for. Was it a way for Jesus to initiate His preaching about the end times? But as we go along with our lessons in Synoptic Gospels, I understood that Jesus is actually referring to all temporal attractions. What is your temple? For me it can be a beautiful girl. Jesus is warning each of us that they wont last until the parousia. A beautiful girl will soon grow old and die and all you will find after is dust. A cellphone you are craving for today will soon be outmoded and crashed. Only God can stand the test of time until time itself ceased. As a matter of fact, Jesus wants us to beware because many of the objects today will distract is from loving and worshiping Him.
Many will pretend to be God and Messiah. That can be literally read, that many false prophets will come. However, more than that, many false god will come also. They may appear to be noble causes like love for brothers and families, fight for human rights and equality, campaign for nature restoration and care for ecosystem but they can take us away from God. Many people are so busy working for these advocacies that they even forget to pray and be still, keep quiet, and commune with God. They may forget that while they are restoring the planet earth they are also loosing a place in a new Kingdom, a new Jerusalem. I am not saying that these are bad but while we are pursuing these, make sure we are not neglecting the home of the spirit, our souls. What is the use of rejuvenating a home [habitat] for humanity if in the end you loose the home of God inside you? Our love for God must be on top among all loves. It is prior to our love for family, love for the country, love for virtues, love for the ecosystem. Prior to all ideals and aspirations. Material things may deceive you also playing to be gods. Let us be watchful for the Lord will come like a flash of lightning.
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