33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Malachi 3:19-20
Psalm 97(98):5-9
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Luke 21:5-19

PERSEVERING TILL THE END

In today’s gospel, Jesus stands with His disciples in the Jerusalem Temple. He warns that all will be destroyed, which amazed them—comparable to the end of the world. His message echoes Old Testament prophecy, addressing the destruction of Jerusalem, the end times, and His final return.

He explains there’s a long gap between Jerusalem’s fall and the end of the world, with signs like false prophets, calamities, and persecutions. Despite difficulties, the gospel will spread worldwide, and the Church will endure, unlike the destroyed Temple.

Jesus warns followers to stay alert, persevere, and avoid discouragement or scandalized. History shows His predictions fulfilled: Jerusalem’s fall, Church persecution, and current indifference and scandals. Yet, Christ promises to guide and protect His Church until His return, and she will last forever. Today’s lesson: be patient, prayerful, wary of false predictions, and perseverant.

The world may seem fragile, but Christ, the King, remains steadfast. Next Sunday, we celebrate Christ the King. Let us renew our devotion and prepare for His return, seeking comfort in His presence and avoiding eternal separation.

Fr Joseph Osho