Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 34th Week in Ordinary time – Tuesday – Luke 21:5-11

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Tuesday for the 34th Week of Ordinary Time is Luke 21:5-11.

Arriving in Jerusalem, Christ taught in the Temple area prior to the Passover Feast during which He was crucified. The Temple, in the 50th year of an 80-year enhancement project, was an impressive demonstration of Jewish pride and their attempts to serve God; the Temple had massive stones the size of semi-trucks, exquisite art, materials from all over the Middle East and remarkable craftsmanship. Looming over Jerusalem like a “snow-clad mountain”, all would have believed the Temple would stand for thousands of years.

Christ’s pronouncement that the Temple would be utterly destroyed must have seemed impossible given the sheer scope of the structure and because people believed that God would protect His Temple. After Christ reveals the Temple will be destroyed, He does not answer the shocked questions from His disciples. Instead, Christ warns them not to believe false proclamations of those claiming to be Christ and to not fear the inevitable “wars and tumults” that will proceed His Second Coming. Christ’s prophecy of the complete destruction of the Temple comes true less than 40 years later when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem to put down a Jewish rebellion; some 1 million Jews died.

Christ reveals the calamitous events that are in future. Wars will rage, earthquakes will rock the earth, there will be terrors, great signs in the skies and people will starve and be ravaged with plagues.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ has omniscience that spans time, knowing the specifics of the coming trials of Salvation History. Divine Prophet, Christ accurately predicts the fall of the Temple and the persecutions of the early Christians. Divine King, Christ directs His disciples to not be fooled by rumor-mongers.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Marvel at Christ’s astoundingly accurate prophecies of the destruction of the Temple.

2) Christ does not give the timing of His return in the Second Coming and warns men not to believe those who proclaim “I am he.” Review the Creed’s section, He Will Come Again in Glory (CCC 668-677, 680-682) and pray for Christ to give you an unshakeable faith that can not be deceived.

3) Christ also warns of the wars and disasters that will take place before He returns; since the Resurrection earth has been afflicted with such trauma. Reflect on the Coming Trials (CCC 672, 1296, 2612) and for the Hope of the New Heaven and the New Earth (CCC 1042-1050) and pray for Christ to enliven you faith to face the inevitable trials of life.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Guardian Angels

Virtue of the Day – Justice

Corporal Work of Mercy – To clothe the naked

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To counsel the doubtful