Daily Reflection – Nov 13, 2016

Sunday 13 November 2016

First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20
Responsorial Psalm:
The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice
Psalm 97(98):5-9
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5-19

Today’s Note: Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading:

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.”

Reflection:

We did not act in a disorderly way among you. (2 Thessalonians 3:7)

The Thessalonian church was in a state of confusion and losing their peace and joy. Evidently, false teachers had come in claiming that the Second Coming had already happened. According to them, the persecutions they were experiencing were signs of the apocalyptic upheaval that everyone was expecting.

To head off this confusion, Paul urged the people to focus on living simply. He wanted them to be content with what they had, to work diligently, and to remain faithful to the Lord. Everything else would work itself out in God’s good timing.

Paul’s message of simplicity is important for us as well. We can easily become preoccupied with the busyness of life or get swept up in the idle speculation that is always part of the world. But this only distracts us and makes it harder for us to hear the Lord and feel his presence.

Mind you, a simple life doesn’t mean an inactive life. It’s a life of balance. Here are two strategies that can help you live more simply.

First, think about limiting the number of activities you do in any given day. This may mean evaluating the time you spend watching television, surfing the Internet, or shopping. It may mean setting aside one night a week for spiritual reading or serving in your parish or community. Look for ways you can simplify your life so that Jesus has more opportunities to show you his love.

Second, whether you are cooking a meal, working, or taking a walk, try to do it in a way that brings glory to the Lord. This approach can help keep your mind more peaceful and more focused on living in the Spirit.

Over and over again, the saints have told us that a simple life helps us to keep our minds on the Lord. It gives Jesus opportunities to fill our hearts with his joy, his love, and his peace. Try it. Examine the results. See what happens.

“Jesus, teach me to live simply, humbly, and peacefully.”