Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and his Companions, Martyrs—Memorial
Gospel: Luke 21: 5 – 11
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 beterrified; 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.”
Reflection:
For each one of us, there may be many “typhoons, earthquakes, famines, and plagues” that we encounter in life. They will take on various forms and will be the cause of much distress at times. But they do not need to be. If we understand that Jesus is aware of the chaos we may encounter and if we understand that He actually prepared us for it, we will be more at peace when the troubles come. In a sense, we will be able to simply say, “Oh, this is one of those things, or one of those moments, Jesus said would come.” This understanding of the challenges to come should help prepare us for them and endure them with hope and trust.
