Christ is coming to judge the world and we must always be ready.
Daniel 2:31-45
Luke 21:5-11
As some people 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, natural disasters and catastrophes that will befall the world. He also brings to their awareness 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 their response and appreciation. Accordingly, they have focused on other things such as false prophecy, misrepresentation of who the Messiah is, wrong ideas of law, and outward show of sacrifices and rituals instead of deep faith and constant relationship with God.
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).
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 our relationship with God, then we will be empowered to do the good deeds which God intends for us. 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; made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our savior.
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.
Fr Joseph Osho
