Sunday, Nov. 16, is the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Malachi 3:19-20a; Psalm 98:5-6, 7-8, 9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19.

During the month of November, the Church has us ponder the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell. 

In this Sunday’s Gospel, the Lord Jesus gives us a kind of road map through the passing and perilous nature of this world.

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.” 

Notice how they admire the temple and its beauty. But the Lord reminds them that although it is glorious now, it will be destroyed. We, too, must understand that whatever glory we see or experience in this world will not last. 

Jesus warns of four perils on the passage to the promised land of heaven.

“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!” 

A false messiah is anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ telling us how to organize our lives. Before Christ can reign unambiguously in our lives, false powers and influences have to go.

“When you hear of wars and insurrections ... ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.’” 

We are in a war, a battle. Before Christ can reign unambiguously within us, the false powers in us must be defeated. But they will not go without a fight. The world, the flesh and the devil can be expected to wage a fierce battle to keep their power.

“There will be powerful earthquakes, famines and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” 

Our talents and abilities fade as we age. Friends and family members may move away or fail us, and they will eventually die, as will we. Political power and worldly access ultimately fail. 

“Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over. ... You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.” 

Persecution is an expected part of the Christian journey. Christ tells us not to worry about such things because they are part of the normal Christian life. The world can only harm our bodies; it cannot harm our souls, unless we allow it to do so.

So what is the prescription for the passage to promised things?  

“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” 

 

Journey on and do not lose faith or lose heart. There is glory waiting for us if we persevere. Christ is with us.