THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (C)
1st Reading: 1 Malachi 4:1- 2a
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 98:5-6.7-9ab, 9bc (R. cf 9cd)
2nd Reading:
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Gospel Acclamation: Luke 21:28
Gospel: Luke 21:5- 19
Chidinma Dominica Akpaji
My Reflection,
Prophet Malachi talks about the sun of righteousness rising and Jesus tells his disciples that their endurance will gain them their lives.
Brethren,the glory in store for us cannot be compared ,therefore we are strongly encouraged to keep the ways of righteousness regardless of the difficulties we face as Christians.
Let us continue to pray for the spirit of perseverance and to remain faithful to the end. Amen.
My Reflection.
1st Reading : Mal: 4: 1-2
This passage highlighted the proud hearted and evil doers as people to be consumed by fire (Hell fire).
It serves as a compass to navigate to a direction, devoid of impending fire.
Obeying God by way of observing all the commandments God, doing charity works, like clothing the need, feeding the hungry and visiting the prisoners with humility, we are assured of God's salvation
2nd Reading: 2Thess: 3: 7-12
Here St. Paul in his second letter to Thessalonian admonished them not to be indolent but carried out some works to earn money for themselves rather than engaged gossiping and poke nosing.
No wonder, there is a saying that, an idle mind is a devil's work shop.
St. Paul encourages, all of us, not only Thessalonian to get some work doing, not the work that church and state laws frown at.
While the Gospel of St. Luke :21:5-19 talked about the end time and the deceiving power of Infiltrators ( false Teachers) of the word of God.
St Luke caution believers /us to be wary of these false teachings and their originators.
The Gospel also highlighted those signs like Countries and kingdoms waging war against one another, earthquake etc.that the end time is not near.
That many things Will happen, but we should remain steadfast in our faith.
Summary Brethren, let us use our energies more on things of Heaven rather than the earthly things. Thanks.
JESUS SAID "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ and shall deceive many
MASKED MESSIAHS
Year by year through the centuries, false prophets has always been there. Is there any era that has not had a bucketful of masked messiahs 🤷♂️? Now, just as in every past ages,they are here with us and Occf faithfuls can name some of them by names.
Is there any way to tell a true messiah from a false messiah.
Let's consider some attributes of a false messiah.
1. They all promise immediate gratification; fellowship with me on Sunday and get rich on Monday morning.
2. False messiahs are always exclusive with their truths;no one has/knows the whole truth but me: buy my books;wear my chevron(bullet proof) all else is false.
3. They always attack faiths that are already in existence, only their religion is the best. They present themselves as the ONE and never points to Jesus as the only way to eternity. The message of the cross is never preached from their lips unlike Jesus who preached the cross as a tool for life and eternity. Their main messages is PROSPERITY on earth and their songs,"Me I no go suffer, I no go beg for food". But the true messiah tells you and I that "NO CROSS,NO GLORY; NO PAIN,NO GAIN".
Because the message of masked messiahs never leads to eternal life, hence Jesus warns us to be weary of them but any one that points to Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life is a true prophet.
May the Lord give us a discerning spirit to always discern between the false prophets and the true prophets so as not to be led astray through Christ our Lord.
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop"
In the second reading, Saint Paul reminds us of dignity in labour. In today's world where many wants quick results without putting in any effort or following due process , this message is very relevant.
Saint Paul also reminds us that faith is not an excuse for laziness and spirituality is not a replacement for responsibility. Thus, while we pray for God to bless the works of our hands, we shouldn't be found idle.
May God continue to bless the works of our hands and grant us favour
Every day for the thief, one day for the owner.
A day is coming for the arrogant and evil doers ..The day that comes shall burn "them" up..
Who is the "them"?
They are "those" who are arrogant and evil.
Who are "those"?
"Those" could just be referring to you and me
You, when you plan evil against your neighbor, you, when you are jealous of your neighbor, you, when you don't want your neighbor to progress, you when you are always sad when you see your neighbor rejoicing.
If we are in any of the aforementioned above, it's time to repent so that we do not incur the wrath of God
Awotoye Mathew
My Reflection
My Reflection
This Gospel reminds us that earthly things do not last, no matter how beautiful, strong, or impressive they look. The temple that people admired would one day fall, and Jesus uses this to teach us not to place our trust solely in material things.
Jesus warns that life will bring confusion, false prophets, wars, disasters, and persecution. These challenges are not signs that God has abandoned us; rather, they are moments that test our faith and reveal where our hope truly lies.
In the midst of all these troubles, Jesus gives a powerful promise:
“Do not be terrified.”
He assures us that He will give us the wisdom and strength we need to stand firm, even when we face rejection, injustice, or suffering because of our faith.
The most comforting part is His reassurance:
“Not a hair of your head will perish.”
This does not mean we won’t experience hardship, but that our lives are secure in God’s hands. Nothing can destroy the salvation He gives.
Jesus ends with the call:
“By your endurance you will gain your lives.”
This reminds us that faith is not just about believing—it's about persevering, staying faithful, trusting God even when things are difficult, and continuing to witness to His love.
