WHAT COUNTS IS WHAT COUNTS!
Jesus’
teaching here began with His description of the temple being “adorned
with costly stones and votive offerings.” The best had been rendered for
their place of communing with God. But no matter how costly they were,
they will still be thrown down. They will pass away. They will have
their end.
The
temple was very important for the Jews. It symbolizes their identity.
It is their center. It is God’s presence to them. The Lord Jesus
recognized it and knew it well. He was a Jew. He was a very good Jew. He
did what every Jewish male did. Yet, He also knew that the temple is
not everything. The costly things do not make the temple precious but
God’s presence.
In
response to the question as to when all of these will happen, Jesus
gave signs but warned them not to be deceived as to when and how. Many
will claim they know but they are not to be believed. Because it is not
about when or how, but what! A Christian must be focused on the
kingdom. A Christian is inspired to reach the finish line. A Christian
is equipped with hope through all the challenges and sufferings earthly
life gives. A Christian anticipates and is committed to be with his God.
My
grandmother died at the age of 96. She was a very religious woman. She
had a lot of devotions. When she got sick, she could no longer do her
religious practices. But I never saw her sad or frustrated. She accepted
her sickness, including the fact that she could no longer fulfill her
devotions. She told me she was at peace and was ready to meet God whom
she ached for all her life. More than the prayers and devotions, the
moment of being in the presence of God mattered most.
Facing
the end, whether it is death or judgment, is not a walk in the park.
Jesus was very forthright with everything that we will go through and
our destiny. And He was also reassuring, uplifting and genuine. With Him
with us, who cares for the when and the how? Fr. Benny Tuazon
REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you look forward to the day when you will see Jesus face to face?
Jesus, I long to see and be with You in heaven. Give me the grace to remain faithful to the end.
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