FRIENDS and SERVANTS of the WORD
28 NOVEMBER 2024
Thursday 34
THANKSGIVING DAY – USA
WORD of the DAY
Jesus said to his disciples: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it,
and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21: 20-28)
How shall I live this Word?
Jesus speaks to His disciples about future events, prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem and its glorious return at the end of time.
In verses 20-24, Jesus describes a moment of great suffering. Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies and many will suffer persecution and death. Here, the destruction of the city symbolizes not only a punishment for the rejection of God, but also the end of an era. This event represents the pain that the community of believers will face. Jesus advises not to despair: whoever recognizes the signs and remains vigilant will be saved.
In verses 24-28, Jesus announces great signs in the heavens, such as disturbances in the stars and the collapse of human certainties. These signs symbolize that even the strongest structures in the world will be shaken. But it is in this context that “the Son of Man” will appear with power and glory.
We Christians are called to look at the signs of the times not with fear, but with hope and courage. The end of something can be difficult, but in Christ the end is never without hope; it is the beginning of a new life.
Lord, in the storms of life, help me to remain firm and not to fear. When everything seems dark, remind me to raise my head towards You, knowing that Your salvation is near.
The voice of Pope Benedict XVI
The description of the fall of Jerusalem becomes a symbol of the fall of every power that opposes God. The signs in the sky, the sun and moon that are darkening, are not so much physical signs as spiritual ones. They are the symbol of a world that is collapsing because of sin, while redemption is near.
E-mail: srmterzo@gmail.com Website: www.sanbiagio.org info@sanbiagio.org Blog: livingscripture.wordpress.com -Comment: Sr. Yarislet Berrios, FMA
