Hang on to the Words of Christ

Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time, Year I

November 19, 2021

Readings (Click here to read the text)
    Reading I: 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59
    Responsorial Psalm: 1 Chronicles 29:10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd
    Gospel: Lk 19:45-48

As we approach the end of the Liturgical Calendar, the Church leads us to reflect on the End Times when Christ will reign as the King of the Universe. The Liturgy during the whole year prepared us for this time, the time which only the Father knows.

In the Gospel of Tuesday last week, when we celebrated the Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica, we were reminded about giving value to the Temple that is made of stones, the Temple - that is the Body of Christ and the temple - that is the people of God, as each one is God’s Temple. This one and the same temple is what Jesus cleansed in our Gospel today. He reminded us of its purpose, that this temple is His House of Prayer.

In this Mass, Jesus gives us the only way to “stand erect and raise our heads” (Lk. 21:28) at the End Times. By giving value to God’s Holy Temple, in its entirety, as the House of Prayer where God speaks to us, by listening to Him, and by keeping His Words, we will be able to pass through the many tribulations that may come and stand tall to the end. Jesus said in last Sunday’s Gospel, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Mk. 13:31). Therefore, the only way for us to “stand erect and raise our heads” at the End Times, the time of Christ the King, is by hanging on to the His Words, the Word made flesh, the Body of Christ which will never pass away.

Fr. Joel R. Lasutaz, SSS

Image credit: catholicworldreport.com