Faith and Family for November 13: Destruction of the Temple

READ Luke 21:5-19 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.

"Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.

It will lead to your giving testimony.

Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.

You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.

By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

UNDERSTAND

by Father Greg Friedman, OFM Travelers in Europe can visit the great cathedrals of England, France, Germany, and other countries.

Stone, metal, and glass create soaring structures that embody our prayers, and what we perceive of God’s grandeur. Some of these impressive shrines of Christianity were destroyed in World War II and later rebuilt.

The Jews of Jesus’ time had the temple in Jerusalem, which was the physical heart of their religion. It symbolized God’s presence, and was a powerful sign of their belief. Read some of the psalms to get a sense of how these ancient people of faith felt about the temple. A great tragedy befell them when the temple was destroyed in the year 70 by the Romans. This event had already happened by the time Luke wrote his Gospel account. And in today’s passage, Jesus predicts the temple’s destruction, and other troubling events that will happen to his followers.

The purpose of his words, and of Luke’s recollection of them, was reassurance. Jesus wanted his followers to draw strength from his continuing presence with them, a presence that would be assured in the Church through the gift of his Holy Spirit.

In our troubling times, as we witness destruction and upheaval at least as disturbing as those in today’s Gospel, we need that reassuring presence more than ever. Let our faith be strengthened by Jesus’ words.

DISCUSS

by Father Dan Kroger, OFM

• In the first reading, Malachai prophesies that “the day is coming like an oven” when all the proud and evildoers will be reduced to stubble. What will happen to them because they do not fear God?

What is the “sun of justice” that will arise for those who do fear God? • This week's second reading has Paul encouraging the Thessalonians to work hard to earn their living, just as he did. Do you know how Paul was earning his living? What work did he do?

Paul gives a rule: “Those who do not work should not eat.” Why? • According to the Gospel, when Jesus was speaking he told the people who admired the beauty of the Temple “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone…” What was he talking about?

Jesus tells the people not to panic about the coming of the end of the world and not to believe in any false predictions about when that will take place. Instead, what are we to do?

ACT

by Susan Hines-Brigger

• Visit your local cathedral, either for Mass or just to take a tour.

• Due to a number of reasons, including war and natural disasters, there is a good deal of destruction in our society today. Look into possible ways to volunteer in these situations. If you're unable, consider making a donation to an organization that helps during these times of turmoil, such as Catholic Charities USA or Catholic Relief Services.