|
|
||||||
|
The 'Day of the Lord', a common symbol in the prophetic literature. In the pre-exilic prophetical writings, it probably referred to a specific day of disaster, such as the fall of Samaria or the fall of Jerusalem. In the prophets who wrote after the exile, as here, it acquired a more universal and apocalytic character, anticipating the saving, yet judging, presence of the Lord in the tumult of world events. Malachi, whose prophetic ministry was concerned with the renewal and purification of cult and people, warns that 'the Day' will burn like fire and furnace for the wicked, while those who have a sincere devotion ('fear') for the Lord will experience it as the healing rays of the sun. Today's Gospel is the first part of Luke's vision of Jesus' final prophetic discourse on the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the coming of the Son of Man (Lk. 21:8-24). The end of the Temple will be like a 'Day of the Lord' such as the prophets foretold, yet 'the end is not so soon', and so any excitement regarding an imminent end is to be disregarded. Jesus tells us not to be frightened by the troubled times in which we live, nor by earthquakes, plagues, famines or fearful sights. Rather, this "will be your opportunity to bear witness" before "kings and governors". It is a time to make our opinion known and to insist that those who rule the earth must provide a means for livelihood for all.Lord,let those who make our laws ensure that the earth is cared for. Amen. |
|
- END -
P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
| INTENTION : |
That holy and exemplary men and women may be our companions in proclaiming boldly the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
|
|
"They began to proclaim the word of God boldly" (Acts 4:31). The word "boldly" can also be translated as "audaciously" or with "forthrightness" in announcing the Christian message. The ideal agents of evangelisation should be "holy and exemplary persons". Though God could have spread His Kingdom without human collaboration, He has always sought human partners, who as suitable and free instruments, work for the salvation of humankind. The laity can evangelise chiefly through prayer, the testimony of life and the establishment of a temporal order inspired by the Gospel. Though preaching the Gospel is the competence and principal duty of those who have been ordained, lay people, who have the necessary theological training, can preach. Vatican II stresses the need for priests to be holy preachers. God ordinarily prefers to show his wonders through those men who are more submissive to the impulse and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because of their intimate union with Christ and their holiness of life, they are able to say with St Paul: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). Let us therefore pray that all those who devote themselves directly to evangelisation may live a holy life that emphasises the credibility of the Christian message. | |
|
- END - | |