When the blind leads the blind danger lies ahead. It is a similar situation with false prophecy and catastrophe. False prophecy is devoid of truth and reality and as such leads to nowhere but peril. False prophecy is sweet to hear but dangerous to the soul. As the disciples of Jesus were admiring the beauty and glamour of the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple and they asked Him when will that be. He warns them about false prophecy, deception, and the natural disasters and catastrophes that will befall the world. The power of prediction comes from God and as such the disciple must get ready always.

Jesus is also bringing to our awareness today that despite all that God has done for the people of Israel they have remained fruitless. Their conversion when Christ came into their midst should have been a sign of appreciation that they should have after they have seen all the good things God was doing, especially in Jesus’ ministry.

The cleansing of the temple by Jesus was another sign that some of the Jewish believers have missed the point of God wanting to have a relationship with them. Accordingly, they have focused on others things such as false prophecy, misrepresentation of who the Messiah is, wrong ideas, thinking rituals, and sacrifices were the center of their minds and hearts instead of a faith relationship with God.

It is God’s kingdom that will last forever. The kingdom of truth, life, love, justice, and peace. The kingdom of God has power over and beyond every human or earthly institution. This is what Daniel also captures as he interpreted the dream to the king of Babylon-king Nebuchadnezzar in today’s first reading. The interpretation and prophecy come from the Most High God.

Today’s readings, therefore, challenge us to keep our attention where it should be – on God. If we’re truly centering our attention on the relationship with God, then we will be empowered to do the good deeds which God intends. And in our doing good, God will be praised and glorified. Therefore, we as children of God, are called to live out this divine relationship that God has established with us and made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our savior.

Scripture tells us that Haggai prophesies that the future glory of the Temple will be greater than the former, not just because it is being rebuilt, but because the Messiah will come to the Temple. (Haggai 1:15-2:9). Our glory is only in God and we are the Temples of the Holy Spirit.

May we continue to glory in the Lord as He delights in who we are and what you do to proclaim the Good News. May God give us the grace to continue to profess our faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ, not only with our words but also by our every action! Amen. God bless.

Follow the saints, because those who follow them will become saints.-St. Clement-pray for us Amen.

Fr. Osho