Thirty - third Sunday of the Year:C: November 13, 2022

 THE END OF THE WORLD

First Reading : Malachi 4: 1- 2a

Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12

Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 5-10

   *First Reading is from the book of Prophet Malachi. A vivid description about the end of the world is given. Malachi severely warns the arrogant and those who disobey  the Lord God. He gives a message of comfort and consolation to those who fear the Lord God and live upright lives. Hence for evil doers, it will be a  day of judgement. But for the upright, it will be a day of salvation.

   *Second reading is from the Second letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul severely criticizes those who in the community live idle lives and are a burden to the community. He gives his own example to be imitated and urges those who idle their lives to work and earn their living.

By your endurance you will gain your lives                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. The end of the world is described in great detail. Jesus speaks of the total destruction of the city of Jerusalem and predicts disaster for the rest of the world. In future there will be nothing left in Jerusalem to admire. He gives us some warning and timelines about the events to come. 1. At the end of times, there will be proliferation of pretenders - those who try to deceive people and lead them astray. Jesus warns us not to go after them. 2. There will be  wars and nations fighting each other. The possibility of a third world war and total destruction of the world is always on the horizon. 3. Jesus speaks about earthquakes, plagues and famines in various places. We are well aware of the many natural disasters and man-made disasters taking place in different parts of the world. 4. Further, Jesus warns us that His followers will face many persecutions for their faith in Him. 5. Finally Jesus speaks of betrayals: Betrayals by friends and family and community. But He assures us that we His followers need not worry because, "Not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives." We are invited to take these warnings of the Lord seriously in our lives so that we can face the end of the world when it happens. 

"Anyone who truly loves God travels securely." - St. Teresa of Avila

"Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely." - Buddha

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly." - Richard Bach

"The end of every episode is the end of the world." - G.K. Chesterton