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Gospel Reading for November 25, 2025 – Luke 21: 5-11
NO NEED
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.”
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The Jewish people were so proud of their temple (the Second Temple built by Herod the Great after the first temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE) which was renowned because of its immense grandeur and opulence, adorned with costly stones, gold and numerous votive offerings. Jesus’ prophecy would happen in 70 CE when the Romans attacked the city of Jerusalem.
A Temple or a Church is a place of worship where God’s people gather to give him praise and thanksgiving and to ask him for mercy. Therefore, what makes a Church building important is the gathering of God’s people. If not for this, there would be NO NEED for the Church building. No matter how simple or how grand our Church building is, it is having God in our midst that really matters.
We have God in our midst if we all agree with, and live according to the teachings of Jesus, Son of God, our Redeemer and Head of the Church. If we are not united in preserving and respecting life; in the fight against injustices and corruption; in the fight against sexual immorality, etc.; how can we be called the Church?
How very important it is for us to remember that we, the people of God, are the Church, and we are not a Church building!
Lord, may we fear not and stand firm in our faith in you when all these catastrophes happen!
