How would we respond if someone prophesied that our church or place of
worship would be destroyed? Jesus foretold many signs that would point to God's
action in the world to purify and renew his people. To the great consternation
of the Jews, Jesus prophesied the destruction of their temple at Jerusalem. The
Jewish people took great pride in their temple, a marvel of the ancient world.
The foretelling of this destruction was a dire warning of spiritual judgment in
itself. They asked Jesus for a sign that would indicate when this disastrous
event would occur. Jesus admonished them to not look for signs that would
indicate the exact timing of impending destruction, but rather to seek and pray
for God's intervention of grace and mercy. Jesus said there would be many signs
of impending conflicts and disasters – such as wars, famines, diseases, tidal
waves, and earthquakes – which would precede the struggles of the last days
when God's anointed King would return to usher in the full reign of God over
the earth. In that day when the Lord returns there will be a final judgment of
the living and the dead when the secrets of every heart will be brought to
light
Jesus' prophecy of the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem was a
two-edged sword, because it pointed not only to God's judgment, but also to his
saving action and mercy. Jesus said: "I am the door; whoever enters by me
will be saved" (John 10:9). Jesus willingly set his face toward
Jerusalem, knowing that he would meet betrayal, rejection, and death on a
cross. His death on the cross, however, brought about true freedom, peace, and
victory over the powers of sin, evil, and death – not only for the inhabitants
of Jerusalem, but for all – both Jew and Gentile alike.
Jesus warns his followers that they will be confronted with persecution,
wickedness, false teaching, temptation, hostility and opposition. Jesus reminds
us that only love can defeat prejudice, intolerance, hatred, and envy. God's
love purifies our hearts and minds of all that would divide and tear people apart.
The gospel is God's word of truth and salvation. That is why Jesus tells his
disciples to proclaim the gospel throughout the whole world even in the midst
of opposition and persecution. Jesus tells his disciples that if they endure
to the end they will gain their lives – they will see God's salvation and
inherit eternal life and happiness with God. Endurance is more than human
effort and perseverance. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to
bear up under any trial, temptation, or form of persecution. Endurance is
strengthened with hope – the assurance that we will see God face to face and
inherit all the promises he has made.
The Jamaican Relief Effort, through St. Paul Catholic Secondary School,
was very successful this year. Many thanks to all those parishioners who were
able to donate goods for the students in Jamaica. Your generosity is very much
appreciated.
Fr. Ernest will be leaving us on November 20th. He will be
traveling to Balitmore to present a paper at the Society of Biblical Literature
Conference and returning on November 27th and then flying to Nigeria
on November 28th for the Advent and Christmas seasons. I would like
to sincerely thank Fr. Ernest for all that he has done here at St. Dominic over
the past 10 months, especially during the time of my illness. We wish him a
safe journey to Nigeria and look forward to his return on December 30th
in time for New Year’s. Thank-you Fr. Ernie!!
Have a great week!
Fr.
Phil
