By Stephen Langsianmunga Malneu csc –
Readings: Rev 14:14-19; Lk 21:5-11
The readings of today highlight the paradox of life. The first reading speaks of the end time, where Jesus, the Son of Man gathers the people of God. This means the righteous shall be rewarded whereas the evildoers will have to pay the price of their evil deeds.
The gospel presents us how everyone is craving for materials and boast of their material wealth. Throughout history until this present time, it often appears to us that good people always suffer for their righteous acts and the bad, through their illicit acts, become more and more prosperous and successful. Everyone is enticed by the external appearances of the material world. As a result, God has no place in the life of the people.
Similarly, the people of Jesus’ time were so much keen on the external beauty of the Temple, but they refused to accept in their hearts the one who came from the heavenly Father. They worshipped the beauty of the temple decorated with gold and silver, but Jesus, the word-incarnate, is the living temple for us to worship. All external beauty would be destroyed since they can mislead us, but the word of Jesus is living and will remain with us forever. No matter the world may accuse me for my righteous acts or tempt me with its worldly pleasures; I should be more courageous in making right decisions in any situation to be one with the Lord, who will in turn glorify me.