Fr Bernard writes…
Sunday 17th November 33rd (C) Sunday
We have to go back to the 13th Sunday in Ordinary time to find the words, ‘Now as the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, he (Jesus) resolutely took the road for Jerusalem…’ We have been with Jesus on that journey and now he has arrived in the place where he will suffer, die and rise again. Just before entering the city Jesus wept and predicted its destruction in the future. On entering the Temple he had expelled the money changers and charged them with turner his Father’s house into a robbers’ den. Today he tells those who are admiring the beauty of the Temple that it will be destroyed, ‘not a single stone will be left on another.’ When people ask when this will happen and how will they know, Jesus speaks ominously of wars, natural disasters, betrayal, persecution and death. But, through it all he will be present, and the those who endure will win their lives. By the time Luke wrote his gospel these predictions had become a reality and many had clung on to their faith in the most demanding circumstances believing his words, ‘your endurance will win you your lives.’ There are Christians today who are facing betrayal, persecution and death, and we in our freedom should never forget the suffering Church in different parts of the world.
This Sunday, November 17th, there will be a Liturgy of the Word for Children during the 10.00am Mass. Next Sunday, November 24th, is Youth Sunday.. Please see the Newsletter for up to date news.
