November 22

Luke 21:5-11
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and
votive offerings, he said, 6All that you see herethe days will come when there will not be
left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.
7 Then they asked him, Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when
all these things are about to happen?8 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! 9
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.10 Then he said to them, Nation will rise against
nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and
plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

FEAR OR EXCITEMENT
It seems we all seem a bit scared thinking about what will happen when the time comes.
But isn't it always a cause of celebration when we get to meet a long-lost friend again?
Every three years, my relatives from Alberta, Canada, would make it a point to come and visit
us in our hometown. Happy to be back, they would spend much time with us as a way to
make up for lost time, go on pilgrimages to various churches, and eat local food they've sorely
missed. As much as it would mean having to host them every time they are in the country, we
never feel inconvenienced by their presence. There is nothing but excitement and joy in our
hearts because our relationship means a lot.
In view of the forthcoming end of the Liturgical Year, Jesus speaks about the final days. But
it is noteworthy that the message centers not on the fear we the faithful might expect to feel,
but on God's fidelity and loving commitment to us.
If we truly love someone, we have nothing to fear, knowing how much we try to be faithful to
him. Not sure what it will have in store for them, many look to the future with dread, seeing
only famine, floods, and even the end of the world. But this must not be so. Today's Gospel
invites us to meditate on our own end, our death. We must be watchful and ready to face the
Lord, not with fear but with love and excitement, confident that we have persevered in loving
Him as much as He loves us.
Guide Question
Which habitual sins do I need to give up to face the Lord worthily?