REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE LORD

XXXIII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 21:5-19

The Temple in Jerusalem was the centre of all religious life of the Jewish people. It embodied the presence of God in the middle of his people. The first temple, built by Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians when Nebuchadnezzar conquered the city and took most of the people as prisoners of war. Then, the Persians conquered Babylon, allowing the Jews to go back to their homeland and to rebuild the temple. Due to many hardships, this second temple did not match at all the glory and the wealth of the first one. That’s why Herod, in order to gain recognition, decided to build the temple anew; and people marvelled at the beauty and the greatness of this temple.

Even though Jesus loved the Temple, he was not blinded by the empty glory of stones. The temple could not be taken as a substitute for God. And like Jeremiah before, Jesus announced the destruction of the temple: “time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed”. 

The theme of the destruction of the Temple is mixed up with the themes of the end of times, the day of the Lord and the second coming of Christ. Astonished with Jesus’ words, people asked: “Master, when will this happen?” That question has been repeated endless times and it seems that fearing the uncertainty, many have tried to set a date for that final event. When will it happen? And what are the signs?

As for the end of the world, even science affirms that someday, sometime, the world will come to an end. So, it will happen. How will it be? And Jesus answered: “Take care not to be deceived”. As for those who say that “the time is near at hand, refuse to join them”. All that interest about the end of the world is misplaced and distracts us from what is really important. Some live in fear, being prevented from a commitment to life. They may despair and abandon all attempts to walk along the right path. Others may do like the Thessalonians, who stopped working because the end was near. Paul told them off and ordered them to work hard so that they do not become a burden to the others.

The day of the Lord will a day of judgement because the inner value of each one will be revealed. The evil-doers are like stubble that catches fire and burns away. However, all those who put their trust in the Lord will see “the sun of righteousness” and be healed by its rays. For them, the day of the Lord will be a day of salvation and they will rejoice in the Lord while singing God’s victory.

Meanwhile, the true followers of Jesus Christ will suffer persecution. Indeed, in many places of this earth, there many Christians who are imprisoned, tortured and killed as criminals for the only reason that they believe in Jesus Christ. And Jesus concludes: “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.”