From today’s Scripture: “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.’”—Lk 21:6

A number of years ago, I was fortunate to travel to Europe and visit many of the beautiful Gothic cathedrals. I was struck how people treated the cathedrals as tourist sites and forgot the actual purpose of these structures.

In today’s Gospel, people are talking about how the temple is adorned with costly jewels and votive candles and seemingly forgetting why the temple was built. Jesus, as is his custom, is very direct, pointing out to the people that the temple is transitory. There will be a time when the temple is destroyed, but we need to look beyond these trappings to what truly matters. Likewise, we need to be focused and not get distracted by false prophets and predictions of when the world will end.

Jesus reminds us today not to be led astray by things of this world and to focus on the next world.

Let us pray: Jesus, help us to remember that the future lies in your hands and nothing can destroy or hurt us if we remain true to you as Lord of our lives.

Today’s author is Mike Schneider, Glenmary’s former treasurer and chief administrator.

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