Tuesday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s gospel from St. Luke, Jesus tells of the destruction of the temple and speaks of the end time when there will be earthquakes, famines, plagues and mighty signs from the sky. Jesus urges his disciples to remain faithful: “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified.” But Jesus is not only predicting the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. He is also speaking of the temple of his own body. Recall Jesus’ words “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (Jn 2:19). These predictions came to pass at the time of his death: darkness came over the whole land, the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked and tombs were opened (Mt 27:45-57).
Our first reading from the Book of Revelation also speaks of the end time and the final harvest by an angel wielding a sharp sickle, an angel who looks like “a son of man.” The communion antiphon, drawn from the Beatitudes, offers Jesus’ words of consolation in the time of trial “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 5:10). These words are directed to us as we undergo difficulties in our daily lives to remain steadfast in our faith in spite of the darkness that may threaten us. We await the coming of the Kingdom and the resurrection promised to us by the One who has gone before us.
Thought for today: How do I react when others mock or make light of my Catholic faith?
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections