Worldly Hope

Today’s Gospel Text:  "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfil all that is written. 23 Alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:20-28

Reflection: In 72 AD, the Roman occupiers of Palestine had one last go at the Jews for their rebellion and uprising, that they destroyed Jerusalem completely, leaving not a stone upon a stone and taking many into captivity.

Many Biblical scholars base their dating of the gospels on the basis of the fulfillment of the prophecies of Jesus concerning Jerusalem.

Their logic behind this kind of dating is that the event must have taken place before the writing and hence their conclusions about the dating of the gospels.

We leave such speculative derivation to the scholars, who base themselves on pure human reasoning’s and thus reduce the gospels to pure human works.

What then will they say of prophecies which are yet to be fulfilled prophecies of the end times and the call for conversion?

We are in a world which constantly fills us with a hope of a better future. We are constantly prodded on to overthrow the oppressors, to seek after justice, to fight corruption.

New elections in every country brings in a lot of hope with a new leadership or the same leadership with a spark of new ideas and hopes.

There are the many exhortations of building a better world through less corruption, more justice, respect for religious fervor with emphasis on universalism, saving the earth for a better future, etc.

In the heart of every human being is constantly sown the hope of achievements that comes through strivings.

In the midst of these hopes based on the human striving and achievements, Jesus reminds us of a bleak turmoil awaiting the dwellers of the earth, of which the many signs we see in our times. 

The many scientific answers based on cogent arguments blinds us to see the hand of God in every situation. 

Unfortunately, the followers of the Christ proclaim the same language of hope like the false prophets of yore. 

Prayer: Lord, as I work as your instrument in this passing world, help in not to put my trust in a worldly hope which is passing.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

Are you the Salt?

Scripture/Bible:  "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matt 5:13-16

Reflection:  Imagine our life without the flavor of salt; the food would taste bland and insipid.  The human body too requires a certain quantity of salt to carry on its function and maintain the water and ph factor of the body and carry on with most of its internal functions. 

You ask anyone; what adds taste to a meal and they will without batting an eyelid will tell you that it is salt that adds taste to the meal.

Yet when you ask the other way round and ask people why the food tastes so good, you will invariably find that people have ignored saltiness as one of the key agents for taste.  Maybe it is taken for granted?  No, not always so and I know of concrete instances and people have failed to give credit to salt.

How many of us have observed that certain natural food items are popular because they either contain a good bit of salt or have a better salt retention property when cooked?

Such is the subtle flavoring of salt that we do enjoy certain foods on account of its presence and yet we may never know, unless we are extra discerning, the reason why we eat and like such food stuffs.

Similarly, the Christian rooted in Christ and who never tires of following Christ, dedicated to him in every way no matter what the odds, acts like the flavoring of salt, which is subtle and adds definite zest to life.  Christ’s word is the salt that adds saltiness to our lives, thus enabling us to salt others and many may not realize how it works.

Unfortunately, as with salt the majorities, even the experts may not observe them and may still preach to them that they need to be witnesses of Christ.  A Christian must nonetheless continue in all perseverance and not lose his saltiness lest one becomes worthless, only to be trampled underfoot.

You shall season all your cereal offerings with salt; you shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be lacking from your cereal offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt. Lev 2:13

Prayer:  Lord as I present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable may I never lose the salt with which you have salted me at waters of Baptism. (cfr. Rom. 12:1)

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us