Reflection for Thursday November 24 Memorial of Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs: Luke 21:20-28

Gospel: Luke 21:20-28

Jesus said to his disciples: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled.  

Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

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Reflection:

Are you afraid of the end of this world? 

The talk of end times always sends shivers to many most especially to those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. This topic is something that they always want to avoid as much as possible. However, if God is in your heart; who can be against you? If God is with you nothing can distress you no matter how horrifying the signs of the times are.  

For those who are losing hope; for those who continue to live in sin, for those who do not give space for God in their lives the end times is within their reach already. But there still hope for them. And this hope is given to them by Jesus; they simply have to allow Jesus to come into their lives. 

For those who steadfastly believe in God, who faithfully follow His commands. Who continuously remain hopeful notwithstanding the discouraging signs of the times. Redemption from any fear is upon them already. 

Why don’t we change our ways and why don’t we get closer to Jesus and invite Him to come into our lives? So that whatever happens to this world we’ll have neither worries nor fears for we know that we are always in God’s loving embrace.  

Let us change our ways, let us listen to the voice of God calling us all to repent through the Sacrament Confession/Reconciliation. Let us always remember that the indifference of the people of Jerusalem to Jesus resulted in their destruction. – Marino J. Dasmarinas