TUESDAY OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH, OR LAST, WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME NOVEMBER 22, 2022

MASS READINGS;

A reading of the holy Gospel according to LK 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

See that you not be deceived

This day marks the anniversary of the assassination of the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. November 22, 1963 was a significant day as Camelot came to an end in Dallas, Texas. President Kennedy was the youngest person to be president, the first Catholic and very charismatic. This was the fourth assassination of a president of the United States. Around the world many were shocked. Many were anxious about the tumult of the unknown. Conspiracy theories were bountiful and many were terrified of what was to come. It was a deeply personal loss for many.

There were at least two prominent conspiracies. One was that there was a lone shooter and the other that there were more than two shooters. After a while, there was a larger group of people who felt that the government was deceiving the people by covering up what really happened.

Jesus warned us about being deceived. Deception is to cause someone to believe something that is not true. Critical thinking is very important to discern what is correct or not. We should be equipped to analyze a situation and make the best decision based on our analysis. PAPA way for critical thinking consists of the following:

Determine the problem or the purpose

Question without mercy

Obtain information and data to make the best decision

Interpret the facts obtained

Make our assumptions but be aware of bias and prejudice

Formulate an idea

What is the point of view?

What are the implications of our interpretations, ideas and point of view?

What are the consequences of our decisions?

Jesus warned us of the end times and all the events that are to come. He warned us of false prophets and people flocking to present day prophets. The Word of God in the Bible and the many saints are the what and the whom we can find the Truth.

God Bless You