A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
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.”
Today’s Gospel reading from Luke follows immediately where yesterday’s reading left off, where Jesus observed the widow who contributed two small coins to the treasury. The placement of the two readings together come back to the theme of earthly wealth compared to the true wealth of dependence on God. Jesus seems to say, “Don’t you see the ruins that this temple will soon become?” And today he says not to be deceived by others who come in his name. Life is short; a day, a lifetime, passes quickly. Where do I place my faith?
God, help me see beyond passing things and keep my gaze fixed on you in this short life. I want to see you through the lives of others I encounter and in the opportunities you present to me. Nothing lasts but you. Through your grace help me remember you in moments when I stand among the rubble of something that seemed to my mind unassailable. I don’t know or understand well enough, Lord, that your love for me is not deception; you alone are unassailable. As Saint Thérèse says: “Jesus is on fire with love for us. Look at his adorable face! Look at his eyes lifeless and lowered! Look at his wounds. Look at Jesus in his face. There you will see how he loves us.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Saint Cecilia, pray for us!
