＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Malachi 3: 19-20a

The day already comes, flaming as a furnace.

On that day all the proud and evildoers will be burned like straw in the fire. They will be left without branches or roots.   On the other hand the sun of justice will shine upon you who respect my Name and bring health in its rays. You will come out leaping like fattened calves.

 

Ps  98  The Lord domes to rule the earth with justice.

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

 2Thessalonians 3: 7-12

You know, how you ought to follow our example: we worked while we were with you. Day and night, we labored and toiled so as not to be a burden to any of you. We had the right to act otherwise, but we wanted to give you an example.

Besides, while we were with you, we said clearly : If anyone is not willing to work, neither should that one eat. However, we heard that some among you live in idleness – busybodies, doing no work. In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord, we command these people to work and earn their own living.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 21: 5-19

While some people were talking about the Temple, remarking that it was adorned with fine stonework and rich gifts, Jesus said to them,  “The days will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another of all that you now admire; all will be torn down.”  And they asked him, “Master, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?”

 Jesus said, “Take care not to be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying: ‘I am he, the time is near at hand!’ Do not follow them.  When you hear of wars and troubled times, don’t be frightened; for all these things must happen first, even though the end is not so soon.”

And Jesus said, “Nations will fight each other and kingdom will op­pose kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes, famines and plagues; in many places strange and terrifying signs from heaven will be seen.  Before all

these things happen, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the synagogues and put in prison, and for my sake you will be brought before kings and governors.  This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to say, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.

You will be betrayed even by parents, and brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.  But even though because of my name, you will be hated by everyone, not a hair of your head will perish. By your patient endurance you will save save your souls.

 

Gospel Reflection：

READ: The lurid illustration of the end of time in the gospel brings fear to many. The first reading speaks of judgment; one group will rejoice, the other will be punished. In the second reading, St. Paul discourages idleness.

REFLECT: Every day comes with occasions to test our faith. Every day comes with an opportunity for us to give witness to Christ. The coming of the end of time will not be different. Perhaps the difference is in the intensity of the challenge. But the sity of the challenge. But the intention is the same. We need to prove our substance to the Lord until the end. We should be able to show enough grounds that we are worthy of welcome at his judgment. We should not be caught just hanging around doing nothing but diligently making our life productive for the Lord.

PRAY: Lord, make me see always what truly matters in life.

ACT: Forgive an enemy today.