33rd Sunday in OT C – Sermon Thoughts (LK 21, 5-19)
Is the gospel “the good news”?
The horror scenarios which Jesus lists:
wars, riots, the fall of the Temple, earthquakes, plagues, famines, arrests, prosecutions … – In short all are “terrible things.
They are in no way something to be cheerful…
Is Jesus the prophet of destruction? Or he brings life and hope?
After hearing the Gospel, many of us may think so.
We know that every life is temporary.
The gospel makes us all aware about it today.
Especially those who live without faith in Jesus, has longer “life”.
We are warned to be vigilant:
“Keep … get ready because the Son of man coming at an hour where you do not expect it.”
…Fear … To be ready …we know these feelings …
Who’s afraid of an Exam?
Someone who is well prepared for it has certainly no fear or less …
and he, who is not well prepared, must fear it.
Also, in the belief, Jesus asks us all exactly this kind of willingness.
Even if Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, it is not against Jews or Judaism in the first place, I think.
Everything built by human hands, has an end.
Not only the temple but also our human body are subject to decay and destroy.
Perhaps more than this, these buildings symbolize the pride and power of the Jews. They symbolize their special call as “the chosen people of God”.
If they think this particular vocation alone gives them eternal salvation,
then Jesus says a big “no”.
Only those who stand firm and live the faith are saved.
It is valid not only for Jews but also for us.
Baptism alone saves us never…
Faith alone does not save us…
Bible alone does not save us …
We need baptism, communion, faith, God’s word and a coherent life.
Then we have the hope to be saved.
God is not only to judge us, but also to give his life. It is his prime mission.
Talk about the punishment is not to spread fear, but to move and inspire to faith, trust, God’s love and mercy.
Because so tells us the gospel:
“…but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
It is not to frighten us, but to guide us to make something special out of life. Life is a unique and precious gift that you can not just waste.
If we trust in God’s forgiveness and mercy, let us “be merciful as the heavenly Father is!”
Our compassion may be a deposit to get forgiveness!
In the Beatitudes we are promised,
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
God is righteous in his mercy.
Let us follow him to life. Amen.
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
Is the gospel “the good news”?
The horror scenarios which Jesus lists:
wars, riots, the fall of the Temple, earthquakes, plagues, famines, arrests, prosecutions … – In short all are “terrible things.
They are in no way something to be cheerful…
Is Jesus the prophet of destruction? Or he brings life and hope?
After hearing the Gospel, many of us may think so.
We know that every life is temporary.
The gospel makes us all aware about it today.
Especially those who live without faith in Jesus, has longer “life”.
We are warned to be vigilant:
“Keep … get ready because the Son of man coming at an hour where you do not expect it.”
…Fear … To be ready …we know these feelings …
Who’s afraid of an Exam?
Someone who is well prepared for it has certainly no fear or less …
and he, who is not well prepared, must fear it.
Also, in the belief, Jesus asks us all exactly this kind of willingness.
Even if Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, it is not against Jews or Judaism in the first place, I think.
Everything built by human hands, has an end.
Not only the temple but also our human body are subject to decay and destroy.
Perhaps more than this, these buildings symbolize the pride and power of the Jews. They symbolize their special call as “the chosen people of God”.
If they think this particular vocation alone gives them eternal salvation,
then Jesus says a big “no”.
Only those who stand firm and live the faith are saved.
It is valid not only for Jews but also for us.
Baptism alone saves us never…
Faith alone does not save us…
Bible alone does not save us …
We need baptism, communion, faith, God’s word and a coherent life.
Then we have the hope to be saved.
God is not only to judge us, but also to give his life. It is his prime mission.
Talk about the punishment is not to spread fear, but to move and inspire to faith, trust, God’s love and mercy.
Because so tells us the gospel:
“…but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
It is not to frighten us, but to guide us to make something special out of life. Life is a unique and precious gift that you can not just waste.
If we trust in God’s forgiveness and mercy, let us “be merciful as the heavenly Father is!”
Our compassion may be a deposit to get forgiveness!
In the Beatitudes we are promised,
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
God is righteous in his mercy.
Let us follow him to life. Amen.
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
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