November 22, 2005

Lk 21:5-11
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered,
“See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”

I am not sure that I understand the meanings of this Gospel reading today. Jesus became a New Way for us and the old temple faith was changed forever by His life and death. The resurrection is a new life in Christ. The death of Christ was accompanied by the rending of the curtain in the temple at the time of death. It is another stage in the faith. Christ is the door the way to God and salvation the way to safety in the times of destruction and peril.

Another meaning of the temple is our bodies which are the temples of our souls. The temple will be broken down. It will not last forever yet the soul and the faith will live on in Christ.

Today, I pray that I am not misled by my needs or fears of worldly events and changes. I love Jesus and continue to walk first in the way of the Gospel and all else is after that. I pray for a steadfast and growing love of Jesus in all ways.