34th Week in Ordinary Time (C) : Tuesday 22nd November 2022

Jesus noticed that some people were admiring the beautiful stonework and sacrifices offered in the temple. Jesus tells them that there will come a time when the temple will be destroyed. To most Jews, the temple’s destruction was connected to the end of the world. This had been true when the temple of Solomon stood. The Israelites during that time felt they were secure because of God’s promise of an eternal heritage to David, and the temple was a symbol of divine protection. However, it was destroyed by the Babylonians.

The temple built by Herod also gave the people a sense of security. However, it, too, will be destroyed. When asked when the destruction would occur, Jesus also connected the idea of the temple’s destruction with the end of the world. Fear and expectation will make people vulnerable to false messages and fake messiahs. They will point to wars, earthquakes, plagues, and signs in heaven to show that the end is near. Jesus states that although these indicate that the end is indeed coming, they are no help in determining when it will happen.

John’s vision describes the judgement people will face at the end of the world. Two angels with sharp sickles will come from the temple in heaven to reap the harvest and the vine, respectively. It is a vision of the coming of the Son of man to judge humanity. No one knows when the Lord will come. But let us be ready when He does.

Lord, help me to be ready at all times. Amen.