Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
In today’s Gospel the disciples are in Jerusalem with Jesus, and they are admiring the magnificence of the Temple. The temple was an impressive structure adorned with gold and surrounded with people who were worshipping God in prayer and sacrifice.
However, Jesus told them that it won’t last. He said that the temple will be torn down someday. In fact, the Romans destroyed the temple about 40 years later, just as Jesus had predicted.
What about our homes and places of worship? They will all be gone someday too. Scientists tell us that the earth itself will be consumed by the sun many, many, (hopefully) many years from now too.
Jesus also said to his disciples that the good things they have been enjoying with him will come to an end as well. If they continue to follow him, they can expect persecution, misunderstanding, family disagreements and, for some of them, even death itself. That was true not only for them, but even for Christian believers today. We read reports of Christians being kidnapped, killed, or tortured in parts of Nigeria, Congo, and other places in the world. Christians in India, North Korea, and Yemen are subject to great persecution. But these fellow believers stay faithful to Jesus even as they put their lives on the line for him.
Closer to home, the number of violent acts against Christian churches in our own country has dramatically risen in recent years. We are sometimes held up to ridicule and sometimes contempt for thinking in a way that is different than our contemporary culture. So be it. As someone once said, if Christianity was a crime, I hope there is enough evidence to convict me of it!
In the end, yes, everything we see in this world will disappear, like the temple of Jerusalem. Our homes and churches will crumble. The world itself will disappear. Our bodies will turn to dust. Depressing? Well, it could be. But. . . .
There is something that will last forever and that is why we willingly, if also sometimes reluctantly, suffer for Christ. For those of us who believe, our souls will be saved and even our bodies will be raised up again in a new, transformed, and glorious way. That is the reward of discipleship and of faithfully living out what Jesus has revealed to us day after day — that we are all children of God, forgiven, and redeemed.
Today, despite dire predictions of an uncertain future, Jesus encourages us never to give up. He says, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
Good news indeed. News that we should share with others.
Have a blessed week everyone.