THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C
November 17, 2019
Malachi 3:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19.
Today’s gospel opens with those who are in the habit of apportioning blames in moments of crisis rather than seeking for solutions. They were more interested in finding out when the destruction of the temple will take place, rather than why the temple would be destroyed. From their question – ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’ – we see a people looking for a scapegoat to blame for the destruction of the temple. If they had asked ‘why’ the temple would be destroyed, then we are engaging a people dedicated to the course of the gospel. The emphasis should not be on ‘when’ and the ‘signs’, rather it should be ‘why’ and ‘possible remedy’. From the response of Jesus Christ – ‘Take care not to be deceived’ – we perceive his conviction about the authenticity of his listeners towards the course of the gospel. What follows afterwards is the admonition that is capable of stabilizing the mood of the people towards the end that must come. His closing words – Your endurance will win you your lives – we notice an encouragement to remain focused to the course of the gospel amidst crisis.
Anthony Ekpunobi. CM.
