REFLECTIONS TODAY

What is to be our attitude as we await the second coming of the Lord? Certainly, we cannot worry about it every day; otherwise, we cannot go on with our daily lives. 

On the other hand, we also cannot simply dismiss it from our consciousness; otherwise, we fall into complacency and fail to check whether at any moment we would be found ready when the Master returns. 

We are told there will be signs of the Lord’s return, so we ought to be watchful for these signs. At the same time, we are warned not to be deceived, especially by bold claims and reports about it. 

Critical vigilance and watchful diligence should be our attitude. 

It is to live, as they say, “between the times”: to take this world seriously, but at the same time to also “take a step” into the next world.
 

Gospel • Lk 21:5-11

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.”

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.