YOUR ENDURANCE WILL WIN YOUR LIVES

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

In this Sunday’s readings, the gospel acclamation gives us the theme for this Sunday:

“Stand erect, hold your heads high,

because your liberation is near at hand.”

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the readings invite us to look to the end of times. We must be prepared for the Day of the Lord, which will come “burning like a furnace”, according to the prophet Malachi (Malachi 3:19-20). Before such an outcome, people tremble with fear. How will the end of the world be? Will there be chaos, violence, endless suffering and agonising death? In Malachi’s words, all that is worthless will be burnt up. 

The gospel speaks of the destruction of the Temple: “the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.” This would be one of the big accusations presented against Jesus during his trial before the High Priest. However, Jesus’ words proved true, but the Temple's destruction did not signal the end of the world. “There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” And there will be wars between nations, but that is not the end of the world yet. While in this world, Jesus’ disciples must be prepared to suffer rejection and persecution. And “that will be your opportunity to bear witness.” At such a time, we must show endurance, and “Your endurance will win you your lives.”

About the day of the Lord, we must not allow ourselves to be deceived. Many will appear claiming to be the Christ. Jesus warns us: “Refuse to join them.” They are false prophets. We must remain faithful to Jesus Christ up to the end.