THE FEAST OF ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR.
FEAST OF ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR.
"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 25th November 2025 in the 34th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Catherine of Alexandria. (+ 310).
Virgin and Martyr. African.
St Catherine of Alexandria was well educated and articulate. No surprise about this because she was from the upper class of society in Alexandria, one of the foremost center of learning and culture at that time.
She was courageous and fearless.
She defended the Christian faith before Emperor Maxentius.
The Emperor was taken aback at the erudition and courage of the young Catherine.
He flew into a rage and condemned Catherine to death.
St. Catherine is the patron saint of philosophers, lawyers and preachers.
Where does the power, eloquence, wisdom of St Catherine of Alexandria come from? We don't have to look far.
"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute." (Luke 21: 14 - 15).
In our Gospel for today, Jerusalem glistened and appeared very beautiful as the disciples of Jesus feasted their eyes on Israel's capital city.
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.”
For the disciples of Jesus, this prophecy must have sounded difficult to believe. Jerusalem looked too good and too beautiful to believe it could stand forever.
Think of it. Rome was destroyed. Berlin was leveled to the ground. Moscow was burnt down by Napoleon.
Gaza is being destroyed brick by brick. Ukraine and Russia are competing to see who will be the first to destroy the other.
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. Regard Jerusalem as a type.
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:
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