Gospel Reflection1123

Gospel Reflection1123 – Tuesday, November 23rd 2010.
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Luke 21:5-11 (RSV)

5: And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said,
6: "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."
7: And they asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?"
8: And he said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, `I am he!' and, `The time is at hand!' Do not go after them.
9: And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
10: Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
11: there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.


Words which touch my heart:
1. Temple - adorn
2. See
3. Sign
4. Warning – Take heed that you are not lead astray.
5. Warning – Do not go after them
6. Advice and assurance – Do not be terrified

As I immerse myself in today’s Gospel reading, my mind moved to Saint Paul’s writing about the Temple.

Saint Paul said in his first letter to the believers in Corinth:

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; (1Cor 6:19 RSV).

I am not even my own;
Why I adorn myself so much with wealth and knowledge of the world?
It does not even last a hundred years.
Do I want to seen by others or to get their approval?
All these are gone when I return to dust.

Holy Spirit, the lover of my soul, help me to seek first the kingdom of God and that I may live in God’s presence all the days of my life.

In his 2nd letter, Saint Paul stressed further.

For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
(2Cor 6:16b RSV)

As we are the temple of the living God, then we should welcome Him and build His majestic throne within us. God is worthy to have the best part in us, the best castle in us, the most beautiful garden in us with it’s ever flowing stream and fountain of life. Let His presence shine through us and His love melt the harden heart. Let His glory shine in the dark night as at mid-day.

O God, how I long to be with you in the deep of my heart, just to be with you and listen to your words.

Do I need a sign from God that He is there?

God is perfect and truth, I do not need sign to believe and trust in Him.

I can proclaim with confident and trust along with the prophet of old;

“If God is with us, who can be against us.”

And yet our Lord Jesus warns us;

“Take heed that you are not lead astray.”

“Do not go after them.”

Our Heavenly Father sent the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name to be with us.
Holy Spirit discerns and we act.
Holy Spirit leads and we follow.

Then Lord Jesus comforts us with his assurance;

“Do not be terrified.”

And I believe because our beloved friend Jesus had promised;

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of age.”
(Mt 28:20b NRSV)

Mother Mary, lead us to your beloved son, Jesus.
Peace be with you.
Amen.