Malachi 3:19–20a: For you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its rays.
Psalm 97: The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
2 Thessalonians 3:7–12: Whoever refuses to work should not eat.
Luke 21:5–19: By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
The readings for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) convey a message of hope: judgment will come for salvation, not for condemnation. God’s Word speaks to us about the end of time in apocalyptic language. Both the Gospel and the first reading from the prophet Malachi mention catastrophes, divisions, wars, and destruction. Yet, what truly matters is the final message in both passages: “The sun of righteousness will rise, with healing in its rays,”and “Not a hair of your head will perish; by your perseverance you will save your life.”
Malachi and the last prophets before the coming of Christ announced “the Day of the Lord,” great and awesome. The biblical descriptions of the “last day” speak of the destruction of what is temporary and the revelation of the one true Lord and God.
In the second reading, Saint Paul warns against those who live idly at the expense of others, using the excuse of waiting for the Lord’s return. Through his own example, he teaches us to remain watchful yet serene and diligent. For Paul, one of the greatest values of work is charity: work is love toward others, while idleness is a sin against justice and fraternal love.
In the Gospel, despite the triumph of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the shadow of his approaching Passion darkens the final days of the Master in the Holy City. Jesus uses this moment to teach his disciples about the coming destruction of the Temple and the persecutions that will afflict the Church, pointing ultimately to the end of time.
“Not one stone will be left upon another.” Jesus foretells the ruin of what they held most dear. Yet the greatest danger was not the fall of Jerusalem, but the loss of faith due to fatigue during the long and difficult wait before entering into glory. Perseverance means patience, endurance, and the strength to resist.
“See that you are not deceived.” The New Testament repeatedly warns that false prophets and teachers will arise. In confusing times, we need more than ever a firm and vigilant faith, one that is well formed and capable of discernment, so as not to be misled by those who say, “I am he.”
“You will be hated by all because of my name.” Persecution should never surprise the Christian; it was clearly foretold by Christ. Indeed, it is assured for those who remain faithful to Him and to His Gospel. “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.”
Jesus and His Spirit will never abandon their witnesses. He gives them the confidence that comes from communion with Him. Living in that communion, we can say with Saint Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,” and we receive “a wisdom and eloquence that cannot be contradicted.” In this communion of love, whatever happens, “not a hair of our heads will perish,” because Life itself cannot die.
Sr. Francisca González García
Provincia San Raimundo de Peñafort
