Thursday, November 28, 2002
34th Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Rev 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9
Gospel: Lk 21:20-28
Jesus said to his disciples, "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you must know that the time has come when it will be reduced to a wasteland. Then, if you are in Judea, flee to the mountains; if you are in the city, leave it; and let those who are in the fields not return to the city.
For these will be the days of its punishment and all that was announced in the Scripture will be fulfilled. How hard will it be for pregnant women and for mothers with babies at the breast! For a great calamity will come upon the land, and divine justice upon this people. They will be put to death by the sword or taken as slaves to other nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled upon by the pagans until the time of the pagans is fulfilled.
Then there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of perplexed nations when they hear the roaring of the sea and its waves. People will faint with fear at the mere thought of what is to come upon the world, for the forces of the universe will be shaken. And at this time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Now, when you see the first events, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near."
Commentary
A cry of liberation and hope is heard in today's Gospel: "When you see the first events, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near." Neither destruction nor death can have the last word in our history, but liberation and life. The Risen Christ is the Lord of the cosmos and history. In this cry there is an answer to the expectations of men and women of all times. Such an answer can't be anyone else but Christ, the only one who does not disappoint and who gives us the authentic liberation, the true salvation. Because of this, even if we are surrounded by darkness, "lift up your heads" because God is with us.