Is the End of the World Near?
"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 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 28th November 2023 in the 34th Week of Ordinary Time.
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 at the street corner to stretch my neck and gaze at the towering skyscrapers under construction.
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.”
Do you consider this prophecy of Jesus farfetched for today?
Not at all. Rome was destroyed. Berlin was leveled to the ground. Moscow was burnt down by Napoleon.
Gaza is being dismantled brick by brick. Ukraine and Russia are competing to see who will be the first to destroy the other.
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? Do not despise the word of God.
Watch rather the signs of the End Times. The End may be near. Watch and pray that you may not succumb to vile temptations.
The month of November is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to honoring the dead and relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory. Do not neglect your loved ones.
For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html
No comments:
Post a Comment
23-Psalm1to2