33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Luke 21:5-19) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE
- NHA CHUA CHA
- Nov 17
- 5 min read
FIRST READING - Mal 3:19-20a
"But for you who fear my name, the sun of justice will arise with healing in its wings."
A reading from the Book of Malachi
19 For the day is coming, blazing like an oven,
when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble,
And the day that is coming will set them on fire,
leaving them neither root nor branch,
says the Lord of hosts.
20 But for you who fear my name, the sun of justice
will arise with healing in its wings;[a]
SECOND READING - 2 Thess 3:7-12
"If anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat."
A reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians
7 For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. 9 Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. 11 We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. 12 Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.
GOSPEL OF THE DAY - Lk 21:5-19
"By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
✠From the Gospel according to Luke
5 [a]While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, 6 “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
7 Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” 8 He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’[b] Do not follow them! 9 When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
12 “Before all this happens,[c] however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. 13 It will lead to your giving testimony. 14 Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, 15 for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking[d] that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. 16 You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name, 18 but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. 19 By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Luke 21:5-19)
THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE
Dear People of God,
Today's Word of God wishes to tell all humanity that they should not worry about or prioritize material life in this world; but rather look towards the eternal life hereafter in the Kingdom of Heaven, which is the happy life alongside God the Father.
God instructs that material things in this world will not last long; they are merely means granted by God to serve and help humanity attain eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven hereafter. God lets humanity know that in order to achieve the eternal happiness of the Kingdom of Heaven hereafter, people will have to endure difficulties, trials, hardships, and persecution, just as the Son of God once had to endure suffering and death. God desires today’s humanity neither worship material possessions, nor place wealth and ambition above God; for only He is the only God whom humanity has to strive for and worship.
In today's Gospel, when the Jews marveled at and praised the magnificent and beautiful temple, it seemed they valued external material things while forgetting God. Therefore, God wants everyone to know that material possessions on earth are only fleeting wealth, which does not last long, so people should not cling to these transient material things but instead run to the God of love, who is the Giver of eternal life.
Only God can bring true happiness and life to humanity.
God teaches humanity that before His second coming, before the day of His glorious advent, people will have to go through difficulties and trials; but do not be afraid because God is always by their side, accompanying, protecting, and preserving them.
Those who always trust in God's providential love will overcome the difficulties, trials, and persecutions brought about by the world.
He states that when you are persecuted, brought before authorities, and condemned, do not worry about what to say or how to act because at that very moment, the Holy Spirit will work within the heart of each person, helping you speak wisely, and no adversary will be able to resist; therefore, do not worry, do not be afraid, for God is always by your side, accompanying you.
God also calls everyone to always look towards the eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven hereafter, for that is the eternal homeland, the place of true happiness, and while living on this earth, humanity has to find the right path to reach the Kingdom of Heaven.
God states that to walk the right path towards the Kingdom of Heaven, the true eternal homeland, everyone must obey and act according to the God’s commands; absolutely no one should follow their own will, so that they will not be tempted and imprisoned by Satan.
If humanity does not obey or follow God's holy will, they will easily fall into Satan's trap.
God states that when walking the path towards the eternal Kingdom of Heaven, people will encounter suffering, hardship, and trials. But these trials are granted by God to test humanity's faithfulness to Him; for anyone who comes to God must also undergo purification and difficulties brought about by the world.
Whoever faithfully and loyally practices God’s teachings until their last breath will have their soul welcomed by God to enjoy eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Therefore, God’s word calls everyone in today’s world
not to be obsessed with material pleasures, not to worry about accumulating worldly possessions, not to value and worship material things above God.
to arise and renounce all worldly possessions to strive for spiritual life, to strive for the eternal life of the Kingdom of Heaven in the future, which is the true happiness and the ultimate goal of mankind.
to be determined to forsake sin and evil deeds before God in order to strive for a perfect person, a person who always knows how to live to please and delight God.
If you live in such a way, God will reward you with the eternal happiness of the Kingdom of Heaven in the future.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
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