GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 24TH NOVEMBER 2016
THURSDAY OF THE 34TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
(MEMORIAL OF SAINTS ANDREW DUNG-LAC AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS)
1ST READING: Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3,9
PSALM: Psalm 100:1-5
GOSPEL: Luke 21:20-28
THEME: HOW ARE THE MIGHTY FALLEN!
When a small tree like the Dwarf Willow, which grows up to a height of about 5cm, falls to the ground, it is no news. However, the fall of a huge tree like the Giant Sequoia, which can hit a height of about 286feet, is breaking news.
The fall of the city of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. was a big one. The Gospel text gives us a prophetic discourse surrounding the destruction. In the narration, we are offered the picture of an annihilation of the city of David. The First Reading also makes reference to the fall of the city of Babylon. For a long time, scholars have always understood “Babylon” in the Book of Revelation as symbolically referring to Rome. However, in modern times some scholars have suggested that based on internal and external evidence, “Babylon” may well refer to Jerusalem. Whatever the interpretation of “Babylon” may be, we are offered the vision of the mighty city of Babylon falling.
The Gospel text makes reference to the heavenly bodies and hints that “…the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Lk. 21:26). There is a saying that “when you see the beard of your neighbour burning, put yours in water”. The unfolding of events around you should solicit precaution and appropriate response. Cities, nations, governments and kingdoms that appeared indestructible have suffered knockouts as recorded in many historical writings. The truth is that there is no permanency here on earth.
The readings of today invite us to look beyond the earthly realm and hope for a heavenly city, “The New Jerusalem”, which lasts forever. Immediately after narrating the fall of Babylon, the narrator writes, “After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power to our God” (Rev 19:1). The Gospel text also ends with a tone of hope for those who are disciples of the Lord, “Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Lk. 21:28).
Indeed, every earthly thing would one day fall to the ground but those who take the Word of God to heart would live forever.
Prayer: Though a thousand fall on one side and ten thousand on the other side, I place my trust in you, Lord Jesus, and because of your power and grace I shall stand firm. Amen
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).