33rd Sunday of the Ordinary Time
1st reading: Malachi 3:19–20a
Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the Lord of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.
2nd Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7–12
Brothers and sisters: You know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by no keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.
Gospel: Luke 21:5–19
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. “Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. 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. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
FIDELITY TO CHRIST: Human beings from time to time think about the end of the world and worry about where they will be after the end of the world. Maybe instead of thinking about the end of the world, it is better for an individual to think about the end of his/her time for staying on the earth. The question that an individual should be asking himself/herself is that, after his/her stay on this earth, where will he/she be. Where will one go to? Will he/she be safe after leaving this earth?Jesus promised his disciples that what will keep them secure at the end of time is their perseverance. It is perseverance in being his disciples that will help them to secure their lives (Luke 21:19). This means that what will keep the Disciples of Christ secure at the end of their life here on earth is their faithfulness to Christ.Being faithful to Christ in good times and in time of trial will enable a disciple to secure his/her life. Let there be nothing that keeps you away from following Christ.
Prayer: May all people never be separated from you Lord
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SALVATION THROUGH PERSEVERANCE: People who practice their faith will face challenges. In the face of all obstacles and oppositions perseverance in the faith will earn salvation. However, if one gives in to threats and strays from the right path of justice, then it is not perseverance in the faith. A person who cannot persevere in the faith will find it very difficult to gain salvation. Perseverance is a sign that one has truly made up the mind to be with God come what may. It is a true sign of commitment to God. It is a sign of having faith in God. Salvation comes to us at a cost. We have to be strong in the face of all trials which try to remove us from our faith. We might come across all sorts of trials and persecutions, but only perseverance in the faith will earn us salvation.
DAILY GOSPEL 