Homily of 33rd Sunday in ordinary Time
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
Malachi 4:1-2a, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12, Luke 21:5-19
Our journey from time into eternity comes with the pangs of childbirth. Obviously, the present will not remain forever. The happenings around us are enough to tell us that there is a real existence that transcends our earthly existence, which oftentimes we hold so tenaciously, thinking that all that exists ends here. To appreciate the glory that lies behind the veil, we must rely on God.
Moreover, crossing over into eternal bliss must come with struggles. The unexpected day of the Lord somewhat points to those moments when God allows us to be bent over by the world’s puzzles so as to appreciate the glory that lies behind the veil of earthly glory, because amid our struggles, he remains the only pillar of support.
According to the Gospel of Luke, “While some were speaking of the Temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, Jesus said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’” The world as we see it is passing away. The Lord predicted evil days to come before his second coming. This time of terror will not only be physical; it shall come with moments of trial and tribulation for all who have chosen to follow the Way.
Furthermore, the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, which left the holy city somewhat desolate, was a foretaste of the terrible days to come. Those who put their hope in the adorned temple experienced devastation. In our own time, the battles are obvious in systems that pitch themselves against the worship of God, in unsuspecting uprisings within the Church that kill people’s faith and make the pursuit of heaven a mere phantom. These are also clear in the false claims about the coming of the Lord and in self-proclaimed prophets who parade false doctrines in God’s name.
Amid all these, the best way to await the Lord’s presence is to live our days with a conscious awareness of his presence in all we do. He is enough for us. Guided by his Spirit, we will weather the storms of trials and persecutions, which even come from people and places we least expect. The corrupt influence of the present age remains a great fear for those who must fight their way into heaven.
We pray that we are always aware of God’s kingdom, which is already in our midst and which we shall possess in full when we see the Lord as he really is. Amen.
