God, the Rock of My Salvation
by Father Paul Campbell, LC
Pray for world peace.
November 27, 2007
Tuesday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 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.”
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I want to thank you for this time to be with you. Increase my desire for prayer, and help me to open my heart to your word today. Teach me to pray, as you once taught the disciples.
Petition: Lord, grant me unlimited trust in your divine providence.
1. The World Is Passing Away We are impressed with huge buildings: We travel the globe to see the pyramids of Egypt. We want to go to the top of the tallest skyscraper whenever we visit a new city. These huge structures dwarf us and seem to be greater than we are. How many people seek to leave behind a legacy wrought in steel and concrete! People donate vast sums of money to universities so that buildings will go up in their name. Yet even the greatest building will crumble over time. The world is passing away. Why place our security in short-lived realities? God alone is a secure foundation, the unchanging reality upon which I can build my life.
2. There Will Be False Messiahs Jesus warns his disciples of false messiahs. They come offering a cheap reward, an easier path. They seek power for themselves and look for the quick and easy gain. How many false messiahs in society urge us to idolize wealth, or power, or a more comfortable life? Jesus, on the other hand, calls us to follow him into a life of poverty. Instead of comfort, he hands us a cross. Rather than encourage us to save our lives, he asks us to let them fall to the ground like grains of wheat that die in order to bear life. Rather than promise us earthly success, he offers a heavenly reward.
3. God Our Father Loves Us with a Perfect Love The future is filled with unknowns and the present is fraught with many dangers, but God is with us always. We need to exercise faith in him and his providence. Jesus taught us not only of the dangers to come, but also that God the Father loves us with a perfect love. Like a father, he loves to give his children good things.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, help me to put you first in my life. I worry about so many passing and temporary things. Sometimes I’m so busy it doesn’t seem that I have time to be with you. Increase my faith in your presence and power in my life. I need you.
Resolution: I will pray for world peace.
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