The Feast of St Cecilia, Patron Saint of Music.

"Express the joy of the situation and the joy to play this music, to sing this music, it’s really fantastic.”  (St. Cecilia. Patron saint of musicians).

"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?”

Jesus 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 be terrified; 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.”  (Luke 21: 5 - 11).

Tuesday 22nd November 2022 of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Cecilia. Italian. (+ 3rd century). Virgin and Martyr. Cecilia came from a noble Roman family. She was betrothed to Valerian, a noble Roman gentleman. Cecilia convinced Valerian to respect her perpetual vow of chastity. She also led Valerian to embrace Christ and Christianity. Valerian gave his life to Christ as a martyr. St Cecilia was tortured and left to die slowly. St Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians. Her name is mentioned in the Roman Canon. Music plays a central role in the worship and liturgy of the Church. St Augustine says that to sing is to pray twice. Let us thank God for the gift of music.

"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.”

From time to time, I walk through the downtown on my way to the noon Mass. There are always many shiny glass and steel constructions going up and up. I frequently stop at the sidewalk to stretch my neck and gaze at the towering skyscrapers. I remember Christ's  warning in today's Gospel. “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.”

Can this prophecy of Jesus be applied to our era? Rome was destroyed. Berlin was leveled to the ground. Moscow was burnt down by Napoleon. Russia is destroying Ukraine one city at a time. Of course the prophecy in the Gospel of today is specific to Jerusalem. Jerusalem met its nemesis in 70 AD when Emperor Vespatian and his son Titus executed God's judgment on Jerusalem.

What is the meaning of the prophecy for us today?
Don't take too seriously what is going on in this nation and the world  today. Watch rather the signs of the End Times. The End is near. Watch and pray that you may not succumb to vile temptations.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com