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.”

THE HOPE IN THE RESURRECTION

XXXII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - 2 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14

As usual, the first reading is connected to the Gospel, which speaks about the resurrection. Taken from 2 Maccabees, we read the story of the seven brothers who suffered martyrdom with their mother at the hands of Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria. They found their courage in their faith in God and their hope in the resurrection. So we are called to reflect on martyrdom and the resurrection. For the Christians, martyrs are those who pay with their lives for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Throughout the centuries, thousands have shed their blood because they refuse to turn their backs on Christ and they prefer to obey God instead of obeying the powers of this world. Stephen was the first martyr and since then there has been a multitude of believers who shared the fate of Jesus Christ. We may think that this is something of the past, but the truth of the matter is that in our days there are more martyrs than in the past. There are many countries, where the Christians have to go underground, living in the continuous risk of being arrested, tortured and killed. There are many countries where it is a crime to be a Christian. There are countries where all Christian symbols are forbidden. The Christians who live in peace and enjoy freedom cannot forget their brothers and sisters who suffer great hardships because of their faith. The Christian martyrs are people who do not use violence but suffer violence for their steadfast loyalty to Jesus Christ.

On All Souls day, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the Catacombs and remembered all those who died or are still suffering for their faith:

“The celebration of the feast of all the dead in a catacomb - for me it is the first time in my life that I enter a catacomb, it is a surprise - tells us so many things. We can think of the lives of those people, who had to hide, who had this culture of burying the dead and celebrating the Eucharist here… It is a moment of bad history, which has not been overcome: even today there are some. There are many of them. Many catacombs in other countries, where they even have to pretend to have a feast or a birthday to celebrate the Eucharist, because in that place it is forbidden to do that. Even today there are persecuted Christians, more so than in the first centuries. This - the catacombs, the persecution, the Christians - and these Readings make me think in three words: identity, place and hope.

The identity of these people who gathered here to celebrate the Eucharist and to praise the Lord is the same as that of our brothers and sisters today in many, many countries where being a Christian is a crime, it is forbidden, they have no right. The same. This is the identity that we hear: it is the beatitudes. The Christian's identity is this: the Beatitudes. There is no other. If you do this, if you live like this, you are a Christian. "No, but look, I belong to this association, to this other... I am from this movement...". Yes, yes, yes, yes, all these things are good, but they are fantasies before this reality. Your identity document is this [he indicates the Gospel], and if you don't have it, movements or other groups are useless. Either you live like this, or you are not a Christian. Simply put! The Lord said this. "Yes, but it's not easy, I don't know how to live like this...". There is another passage of the Gospel that helps us to better understand this, and that passage of the Gospel will also be the "great protocol" according to which we will be judged. It is Matthew 25. With these two passages from the Gospel, the Beatitudes and the great protocol, we will show, by living this, our identity as Christians. Without this, there is no identity. There is the fiction of being Christian, but not identity.

This is the identity of the Christian. The second word: the place. Those who came here to hide, to be safe, even to bury the dead; and those who today celebrate the Eucharist secretly, in countries where it is forbidden.... I think of that nun in Albania who was in a re-education camp at the time of communism, and the priests were forbidden to distribute the sacraments, and that nun baptised secretly. The people, the Christians, knew that this nun baptised and the mothers approached her with their children, but she didn't have a glass, something to put the water in. Then she did it with her shoe: she took the water out of the river and baptised with her shoe. The Christian's place is everywhere, we don't have a privileged place in life. Some want to have it, they are "qualified" Christians. But they run the risk of staying with the "qualified" and abandoning the "Christian". What is the place of Christians? "The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God" (Wis 3:1): the Christian's place is in the hands of God, wherever He wants it. The hands of God, which are wounded, which are the hands of his Son who wanted to take with him the wounds so that they could be seen by the Father and intercede for us. The Christian's place is in Jesus' intercession before the Father. In the hands of God. And there we have the certainty, what happens, even to the cross. Our identity [the Gospel indicates] says that we will be blessed if they persecute us if they say everything against us; but if we are in God's hands wounded with love, we are right. This is our home. And today we can ask ourselves: but where do I feel most secure? In God's hands or with other things, with other certainties that we "borrow" but which in the end will decay, that have no consistency? These Christians, with this identity card, who have lived and live in the hands of God, are men and women of hope. And this is the third word that comes to me today: hope. We heard it in the second reading: that final vision where everything is remade, where everything is recreated, that homeland where we will all go. And to enter there you don't need strange things, you don't need sophisticated attitudes: you just need to show your identity card: "All right, go ahead". Our hope is in heaven, our hope is anchored there and we, with the rope in our hands, lean on each other looking at that bank of the river that we have to cross.” (HOMILY OF POPE FRANCIS, Priscilla Catacombs on Via Salaria, Saturday, November 2, 2019)

All the martyrs are moved by the certainty that dying with Jesus they will rise with Jesus to eternal life. Our God is not a God of the dead but the God of the living.

TODAY I MUST STAY IN YOUR HOUSE

XXXI SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 19:1-10

Last week, we heard the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector - a parable dealing with two ways of approaching God: with pride or with humility. The Pharisee boasted about himself, as if he was the best in the world and as if God himself was obliged yo give him praise. In his pride, he despised everybody else and considered them as sinners. The tax collector acknowledged his sin and asked for forgiveness, well aware that on his own he cannot be saved. He relied completely on God and entrusted himself to his mercy. In this Sunday’s gospel, we have a very similar situation, presented in a real-life story: the encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus. He was “a chief tax collector”, having thus a prestigious position in society. Befitting his rank, he was rich; however, living in a deeply religious society, he had everything against him. He knew that being hated and despised by all, the crowd would never let him come close to Jesus. Being “small in stature”, he felt deeply his smallness. His wealth might have given him influence and some respect, but that was not enough to disguise the fact that he had become a stranger in the eyes of the people. This emptiness spurred in him the desire to seek someone who would look at him with kindness and welcome him as a person. He became creative and turned the disadvantage into an advantage. His curiosity was so great that he climbed a tree to see Jesus. Jesus, being always attentive to the slightest hint of search, restlessness, and interest, noticed it and immediately act upon it, calling on Zacchaeus to come down and to welcome as a guest in his house. 

To each one of us. Jesus goes on saying, "Today I must stay in your house.” Are we going to welcome him with joy?

THE PRAYER OF THE HUMBLE PIERCES THE CLOUDS

XXX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 18:9-14

The parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee is very simple and straightforward. Two people presented themselves in the temple, one characterised by his profession and the other by his religious affiliation. 

In spite of holding an important job, which should bring him respect, the tax collector was despised on several accounts. Suspected of embezzling state money and of overcharging people, they were seen as thieves. And they were hated and despised as collaborators of the colonial power, which oppressed the people. Thus the tax collectors were considered big sinners and any decent person should stay far away from them. Seen as beyond redemption, how could a tax collector dare to enter the temple and address God in prayer?

The Pharisee was a strict follower of the Law, who tried to excel in everything he did. He tried to be faithful, staying away from anything that might make him impure. People like him were nicknamed Pharisees, that is the “separated ones” because they avoided all contact with anybody considered a sinner. Religiously speaking, the Pharisee belonged to a group of people who considered themselves to be the best.

In the parable, Jesus presents in contrast two completely different kinds of people, one standing for the best and the other for the worst. Both of them went into the Temple to pray and, in the prayer, they revealed their true selves. The Pharisee turned out to be a man full of himself, proud and arrogant, who despised everybody else. Instead of giving thanks to God, he turned his prayer into self-praise, at the same time, passing judgement on the others. On the other side, the tax collector makes a very simple and sincere prayer. Before God, he recognises his sin and asks for forgiveness. In his prayer, there is not an attempt at pretending. Ashamed of himself, he does not go to the forefront, but stays at a distance and humbles himself before God. Jesus tells us that God accepted his prayer and he went home justified.

With the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee, Jesus returns to the theme of the parable of the prodigal son: the Pharisee is like the elder son, a man full of pride and self-righteousness, who thinks that he has rights over God, and the tax collector is like the younger son, who misbehaved, but acknowledged his sin and returned to ask for forgiveness. In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus presents two ways of being and living; in today’s parable, Jesus contrasts two ways of approaching God in prayer: with humility, acknowledging our weaknesses and our sin, or with pride, demanding to be awarded the prize we think we are entitled to. However, as we find in the book of Sirach, only "the prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and it will not rest until it reaches its goal;” (Sirach 35:21).

PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS AND INSIST ON IT

XXIX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Traditionally, this Sunday is the WORLD MISSION DAY, which is the high point of the October month, dedicated by Pope Francis to reflect on God’s call to announce the Good News of salvation. in which we are called to reflect upon Christ’s call to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. The Pope called for this special month to commemorate the centenary of the Apostolic Letter “Maximum Illud” of Pope Benedict XV (30 November 1919). In his message to this special month, Pope Francis reminds us that we are “Baptised and Sent”.

“Celebrating this month will help us first to rediscover the missionary dimension of our faith in Jesus Christ, a faith graciously bestowed on us in baptism. Our filial relationship with God is not something simply private, but always in relation to the Church. Through our communion with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we, together with so many of our other brothers and sisters, are born to new life. This divine life is not a product for sale – we do not practise proselytism – but a treasure to be given, communicated and proclaimed: that is the meaning of mission. We received this gift freely and we share it freely (cf. Mt 10:8), without excluding anyone. God wills that all people be saved by coming to know the truth and experiencing his mercy through the ministry of the Church, the universal sacrament of salvation (cf. 1 Tim 2:4; Lumen Gentium, 48).” (Pope Francis)

In the second letter to Timothy, Paul reminds him of his duty to proclaim the Gospel: “Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it.” And this is not only for Timothy or for anybody who is in a leadership position. Paul’s words apply to all who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. All those who have made the experience of God’s love and who have been called to salvation must speak out and proclaim this Good News: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (Jn 3:16). Once we experience God’s love, we cannot hide it and we cannot keep quiet. God’s love must show up in the way we live and in the way we speak. We are called to lead others to Christ so that in him they also experience the love of God. 

Pope Francis reminds us that if we are baptised, we are sent as well. We are sent to give witness to Jesus Christ. Being disciples of Jesus Christ, we adopt his way of life and we allow ourselves to be guided by his word. And we are called to announce Christ’s message of salvation, that is to proclaim the Gospel.

We should ask ourselves: Do we give witness to Jesus Christ? What kind of witnesses are we? Have we helped others to meet Jesus Christ and to know his message of salvation? 

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, to strengthen God’s love in us and to make us faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ.

YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU

XXVIII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Lk 17:11-19

The healing of Naaman, a foreigner (2 Kings 5:14-17), is already a sign of openness to all and an announcement of the universality of salvation. God's mercy and compassion are not offered exclusively to a group or a people, but God listens to the complaints of all those who come to Him. Those who are considered foreigners and enemies belong to the people of God as well and God cares for them as he cares for us. Naaman became wholesome by his bathing in the Jordan River, making of this bath a symbol and a prophecy of the baptism that cleanses us and makes us whole, recreating us as children of God.

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In his letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:8-13), Paul reaffirms the importance of faith in the resurrection: "Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, was raised from the dead." This is the Gospel that Paul proclaims, and it is for this Gospel that he is in prison. However, the Good News cannot be put in chains, since the word of God is a liberating word. And Paul stresses that we should undergo the experience of dying with Christ's so that we may rise with him. And he quotes a maxim that was already part of catechesis: “If we have died with him, then we shall live with him. If we hold firm, then we shall reign with him.”

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Leprosy was a terrifying disease that disfigured people, made them look disgusting, and was considered a curse. The lepers were like walking dead from whom everyone fled. Abandoned and ostracised, alone with their pain in a rotting body. However, Jesus let them come to him, and heard their cry for deliverance: "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." And Jesus gave them back the joy of living, healing them from their illness, abandonment, and exclusion. They who were already dead returned to life, a life lived within their family and community. In this passage of the Gospel, the lepers came as a group, as if they represented the sick, defiled and forsaken people, unable to break free from the oppression that demeans, crushes, and destroys them. And Jesus, full of mercy and compassion, is the one who brings salvation to them, restoring their dignity. But something very strange happened: Out of ten, only one recognised the gift of God and returned to thank Jesus for his healing, and that one was a - a Samaritan. He alone allowed himself to be touched by God's merciful hand; only his heart vibrated with emotion as he felt the breath of God’s grace; only he was one alert to recognise God's loving presence. Therefore, he “turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him”. He was the only ready to accept God’s salvation.

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH

XXVII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Lk 17:5-10

A prophet is always a voice that speaks for God so that we are addressed by Him, as he calls and challenges us. However, many times, the prophet also gives voice to our moaning, as we turn to God complaining of the suffering and the pain we go through. There are times when we feel abandoned and thrown into a ditch as if we were discardable. It is as if God does not care or as if he does not exist. Habakkuk went through such an experience and he complained to God saying: 

“How long, O Lord, am I to cry for help

while you will not listen;

to cry ‘Oppression!’ in your ear

and you will not save?” - Habakkuk 1:2

It sounds as if God is on the side of the exploiters and the evildoers because life is easy on them. In spite of this, the prophet is bold enough to complain before God, being confident that God will listen to him. And Habakkuk received a reassuring answer. God has not forgotten his people and he will fulfil his promise. It may seem to be slow coming, but if it will come, “without fail”. While waiting, we must remain faithful, being certain that “the upright man will live by his faithfulness”.

In his Second Letter to Timothy, Paul draws attention to essential attitudes in any Christian, but especially in those in positions of leadership: a) “Rekindle the gift of God” received for the service of the community; b) do not be intimidated, but on the contrary show strength and courage that must be measured by love and moderation; c) bear witness to Jesus Christ, never being ashamed of him and those who suffer for him; d) be willing to suffer for the Gospel; e) trust in the power of God; f) be guided by the words of those who teach us according to faith and love that are in Jesus Christ.

The request of the Apostles must become our daily prayer: Lord, "increase our faith." We easily realise that our faith is weak because we are fragile and fickle and we know that it is impossible to grow in faith by our efforts alone; Faith is a gift from God, and we ask it from Him: "Increase our faith." According to Jesus, by faith, the impossible becomes possible, because through faith we share in God’s power. If we are daily faced confronted with our powerlessness, it is because we allowed our faith to die and do not rely on God to revive it. Let us pray: 

Lord, increase our faith.