Reflection for THURSDAY, 34th Week, Ordinary Time.

By 

          Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Director, Social Action Movement, Don Bosco Bidar

Today's Gospel Verses 

Luke 21:20-28 

“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 


Today's Reflection 

There is no doubt, that in any competition, there is no greater delight than winning.

The winner gets the top prize, the winner stands above the rest of the competitors, the winner gets all the attention and also endorsement contracts.

Yes, victory is a sweet taste, and everyone has this inclination to be a winner, because winning is everything.

If that is how we think about earthly victories and winning, then how about spiritual victories.

While earthly victories will only have earthly gains, spiritual victories gain heavenly blessings.

So when we resist temptations, when we refuse to give in to selfishness and greed, when we refuse to give in to pride and anger, we gain a spiritual victory.

But the victory is not so much for ourselves but for the glory of God, because as the 1st reading says: Victory and glory and power to our God.

And when God is glorified, we get a heavenly blessing that will enable us to stand erect and hold our heads high.

Because the greatest victory on earth and in heaven is when we liberated from the bonds of sin and rise in holiness of life.

It is a victory that will give us blessings of joy, on earth as well as in heaven.

GOD BLESS YOU

Good morning. Have a nice day.