The Glorious coming of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty fourth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:20-28*

*First Reading : Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11*

*The Glorious coming of Jesus*

*1) End of Liturgical Year and End Times*

We are towards the end of Liturgical Year. 

So the Liturgical message is about end times and coming of Jesus 

The Gospel also speaks about the ultimate mission of Jesus, that is the Second Coming of Jesus and the events related to the Second Coming of Jesus 

*2) Preparation for Jesus' Second Coming*

All the things which are mentioned in the Gospel in a way should be seen as the preparation for Jesus' coming 

The various things which are mentioned in today's Gospel are the Following 

*A) The Nature*

The nature responds to the second coming of Jesus 

This shows that Jesus is the King of the universe, and the nature prepares itself for the coming of Jesus 

*“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,*

*The powers of the heavens will be shaken*

*The roaring of the sea and the waves*

This is how the nature  responds to the coming of Jesus 

*B) Renovation of the Temple*

The Gospel speaks about the destruction of the Temple by the enemies. 

The destruction also indicates the reconstruction of the temple. 

More than the temple which indicates the building, constructed with the material things, we need to think about our own life/body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit

So destruction of the evil things in our life and reconstruction of the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is our body, with New Things, is necessary

This is another level of preparation for the second Coming of Jesus

*C) Flight and Escaping*

The Gospel also speaks about the flight and escape to a safer place 

From the spiritual perspective, we can see this flight in the context of evil things  

We need to flee from the evil things and escape to a safer place

This is another level of preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus 

*D) Stand erect with Raised Heads*

This is the ultimate preparation for the coming of Jesus 

To stand erect one needs courage. To face all the above mentioned changes one needs tremendous courage 

Stranding erect indicates that one has achieved something. 

Raised head also indicates that one has achieved something great

So standing erect with raised head is the ultimate and complete preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus 

*3) Second Coming of Jesus*

This is the reality as it is indicated in today's Gospel by Jesus himself 

The Second Coming is the reality. But when and under which circumstances is not clear. That is a suspense. 

So we need to be ready at all the times in our life 

*4) My Preparations for Jesus' Coming*

Coming of Jesus is sure. If so, what is my preparation? 

The entire universe and the nature prepares itself for the Second Coming of Jesus. If so, what is my preparation? 

Is my everyday life a preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus?

What else can I do to prepare myself for the Second Coming of Jesus?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*