HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR C,
BY REV FR EKESHIRI JUDE EMEKA CSSP.
(Daniel 6:12-28, Daniel 3:68-74, Luke 21:20-28)
Beloved, prayer and vigilance are two significant instruments that are needed to scale through the eschatological events that must happen. when we read the messages of the Scripture that depicts the end time occurrences, fear usually grips us, because of the kinds of eschatological imagery that are used in these passages.
Today in the gospel, Jesus tells us about the fall of Jerusalem and the ruin that accompanied the great city. In that same gospel of Luke, the Scripture passage offers us hope at last, then, we are presented with the coming of God and His reign with power and domination after these turmoils must have finished taken place (Luke 21:20-28)
Again, these events mentioned serve as a reminder of the impermanence of worldly structures and the importance of focusing on spiritual matters.
Jesus speaks of signs within the cosmos (world) and distressing things that will take place among nations, that is, war, miseries and conflicts that must happen in the society, people killing each other and even blood relations committing evil against one another.
These signs are not meant to cause fear. They serve as a reminder of the need to be spiritually prepared for the future. While there will be upheaval and distress in the world, Jesus encourages his followers not to be terrified.
Therefore, We need to stay alert and pray at all times, maintaining a deep and active connection with God. Prayer helps us remain spiritually vigilant and open to God’s guidance in times of uncertainty. It is only with faith and prayer that we could be able to overcome the distressing moments that lays ahead of us. Let us ask Jesus for graces necessary, so that, when that times comes, He will not be far from us. Amen. Peace be with you.
