33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time | Bishop Schlert

Gospel Reading
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."
Lk 21:5-19

Gospel Reflection
Praised be Jesus Christ!

The Readings for today can seem very foreboding. Jesus is talking about not only the end of times, but families turning against one another! However, they are serving as reminders for us that this world is not the end, but only the beginning of our eternal life with Him.

Christ warns us of what is to happen before our time of eternal reward is realized. He tells us that there will be war and other things, but He reminds us not to be terrified, for these things must happen first (Cf. Lk 21:9). He also tells us that we will be persecuted for the sake of our faith (Cf. Lk 21: 12). Don't these things sound familiar? Aren't we feeling these persecutions and wars going on in our world today? In all of it, Our Lord is telling us not to be terrified.

Let us turn to Him in our need. We are reminded of His love by celebrating the Sacraments which strengthen us with His grace so that we can be ready for His return.

As always, know of my prayers before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

+Bishop Schlert



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