Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
November 18, 2001
Reading I: Mal 3:19-20a
Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,when all the proud and all evildoers
will be stubble,
and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root
nor branch, says the LORD of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will
arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
R. (cf. 9) The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Reading II:2 Thess 3:7-12
Brothers and sisters: We hear that some are conducting themselves among you
in a disorderly way,
by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct
and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.
Gospel: Luke 21:5-19
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. "Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues
and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because
of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall
give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to
resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives,
and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all
because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance
you will secure your lives."
Good morning, I brought someone with me today...do you see him? He is a fierce
lion. You know lions are called the kings of the jungle? Does anyone know why?
(Yes because they are so ferocious, strong or whatever the kids say). Can anyone
here roar like a lion? (Let's hear you roar like a lion). WOW! That's a scarry
roar. Is anybody afraid of this lion? No, because we know this puppet will not
hurt anybody. But a real lion would be something to be afraid of. Can anyone
think of any other things we might be afraid of? When you become afraid, what
do you do?
Fear is an important thing most of the time– it tells us there is danger– and
it gets us to run away or do other helpful things to avoid the danger. But sometimes
fear is not very helpful– it makes it impossible for us to go on and do the
things we should be doing.
Jesus talked to his friends about many things that people are afraid of– like
earthquakes, not having enough food to eat, bad people who would hurt us, and
war. He said when we saw these things coming we should prepare ourselves and
do everything we can do to try to stop them– but he also said not to be afraid
because he will be there with us to help us through the bad times. Jesus said
that bad people may be able to hurt us, but they will never destroy us. While
we may face earthquakes, storms, hunger, or war; while we may have sorrow and
pain like other people– we don't have to be afraid of dying because he will
be there with us and we will live forever.
When you are afraid of things remember Jesus and his promise– he said to get
away from danger if you can– but don't worry about what might or might not happen
to you. Many people will want to make us afraid by telling us evil things; but
we don't have to be afraid of them because we have Jesus to heal our pain and
fill us with joy. Jesus has even removed the pain from death, he is gentle and
strong and he will be there with us all the time. And that is good news!