TUESDAY OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME-Gospel (Lk 21:5-11) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (Lk 21:10)

FIRST READING - RV 14:14-19

A reading from the Book of Revelation

I, John, looked and there was a white cloud,

and sitting on the cloud one who looked like a son of man,

with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.

Another angel came out of the temple,

crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud,

“Use your sickle and reap the harvest,

for the time to reap has come,

because the earth’s harvest is fully ripe.”

So the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth,

and the earth was harvested.

Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven

who also had a sharp sickle.

Then another angel came from the altar, who was in charge of the fire,

and cried out in a loud voice

to the one who had the sharp sickle,

“Use your sharp sickle and cut the clusters from the earth’s vines,

for its grapes are ripe.”

So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and cut the earth’s vintage.

He threw it into the great wine press of God’s fury.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY - LK 21:5-11

From the Gospel according to Luke

While some people were speaking about

how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,

Jesus said, “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.”

Then they asked him,

“Teacher, when will this happen?

And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”

He answered,

“See that you not be deceived,

for many will come in my name, saying,

‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’

Do not follow them!

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.”

Then he said to them,

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues

from place to place;

and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”

TUESDAY OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME-Gospel (Lk 21:5-11)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

The Word of God today calls upon all humanity: let's aim for eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

God sees that humanity is gradually falling into Satan's traps, such as worshiping and valuing material things above all else, above the fear of God, the only Father, the King of kings, the Lord of Lords. God sees everything, He loves and gives providence to people; but people must cooperate with God's love, that is, to obey and follow God's teachings, then people will have eternal life, because besides Him, there is no other god who can bring life to people.

Today's people are valuing and worshiping material things, and are looking for every way to have glory and benefits right here on earth. God does not want people to fall into the temptations and traps of Satan: they have used the power of the world to cover up and make people forget the life of the Kingdom of Heaven in the future.

In the Gospel, when the Jews praised the magnificent and majestic Temple, they valued the external material things above the respect and worship of God; it is the importance of material things that makes people not listen to God's teachings and carry them out; and if so, the human soul will gradually move away from God. God is invisible, but He is always present, always with, protecting and preserving people; but people rarely recognize God's love.

Today's Word of God warns people: be awake and aware of our thoughts, actions and words before God, so as not to fall into Satan's temptations. Only God is the One of love, the One who brings the happy life of the Kingdom of Heaven in the future. This material world will disappear, and people cannot take it with them when God calls them out of this world. There will come a day when everyone must appear before God to be judged; therefore, those who still have the opportunity to live in this world should try their best to live and follow what God teaches. Those who encounter difficulties, challenges and opposition should confidently walk on the path that God has walked and called them to, which is the path of the cross and suffering. It was through suffering and death on the cross that the Son of God conquered death to reach glory. Today, God calls everyone to walk on the path of God's light to have life in the Kingdom of Heaven in the future. As we face difficulties and challenges, let us cling to God's love, cling to His teachings, and walk with joy along the path of love that the Son of God willingly sacrificed Himself, humbled Himself to accompany and to be with people. The word of God is an eternal Word. His Word will shine in the hearts of those who know how to do what God teaches, which is to open their hearts to receive the light of God, to receive the Word of God, to receive the Body of God through the Holy Eucharist.

Thanks be to God. Amen.