Temporary Riches

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/112216.cfm) reminds me that everything on this earth is temporary. 

Decorations can practically turn any venue unto a grand place. We see normal places such as basketball courts, plain halls/tents and even parking lots be transformed into grand and majestic venues for events because of decorations. However, after the event, they take the decorations down and it becomes normal again. The beauty and grandeur is temporary. This is similar to worldly riches, fame, and power. 

Nothing in this world is permanent. 

In the gospel, we see people talking about the beautiful and grand decorations of the temple. However, Jesus told them that there will be a time when everything in the temple will be destroyed. Everything. No matter how costly or beautiful they may be, they will be destroyed. Jesus is reminding us of this as well, especially as we become busy with life. 

It is easy to get lost in the busyness of life. As we work, as we grow our business, it is easy to focus on worldly things. Money. Fame. Success. Power. These things are not inherently bad, but they are when they take God's place in our lives. These become bad when we compromise our values and do bad things just to have them. 

We should not trade our soul for temporary things. 

If we focus too much on worldly things and on attaining them no matter what the cost, we may unwillingly be setting ourselves for eternal damnation. When we constantly disregard God and his teachings, when we compromise our values and do bad things to win in this world, then we are basically trading our eternity with God for temporary worldly things. This is something we should avoid. 

May we always be aware and know what is important, not only in this life, but in eternity. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I ignore you. Sorry for the times I compromise my values for worldly things. Help me be aware. Remind me when I am losing my way. Help me live right and pleasing to you all the time. May this life be my love letter for you and my preparation to spend eternity with you. Amen. 

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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November 22, 2016
Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
Lectionary: 504

Reading 1 Rv 14:14-19

I, John, looked and there was a white cloud,
and sitting on the cloud one who looked like a son of man,
with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.
Another angel came out of the temple,
crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud,
“Use your sickle and reap the harvest,
for the time to reap has come,
because the earth’s harvest is fully ripe.”
So the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth,
and the earth was harvested.

Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven
who also had a sharp sickle.
Then another angel came from the altar, who was in charge of the fire,
and cried out in a loud voice
to the one who had the sharp sickle,
“Use your sharp sickle and cut the clusters from the earth’s vines,
for its grapes are ripe.”
So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and cut the earth’s vintage.
He threw it into the great wine press of God’s fury.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Alleluia Rv 2:10c

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain faithful until death,
and I will give you the crown of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 21:5-11

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.”

Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”