A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 21:5-11

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."

REFLECTION :

The end of time sounds truly scary to most people including me. Each generation, including ours, has feared living in the end times. I recently came to “better” terms with that fear, by actually believing in my heart that if I have to live during the end of time it would be because God has decided so. God will only allow the suffering that I would endure as part of his plan for me.

I would like to reflect on the temporality of all material things "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." At the same time, I would like to reflect on how the work associated with those material things, performed for the love of God and neighbor can sanctify me.

We own a home which requires regular upkeep and maintenance in order to be a safe and proper environment for my family. This home will completely disappear when the world ends. However, I have acquired merits and given glory to God by responsibly performing the work associated to its care. Similarly, professional work cannot be the center of my life, but when I perform that work honestly, diligently and conscientiously, I glorify God through it. The food that I cook is irrelevant, but made with love for God and my family, it becomes an offering.

At the end of my life on earth, regardless of that “end” being the “end of time” or not, I will not have with me the material things or earthly achievements that I may now enjoy, but I will have the merits of the associated work that I may have honestly and lovingly done according to my state of life.