Reading from the holy gospel according to St. 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.

With this Gospel, the Lord directs our gaze to the heart, so we do not focus on the external glimmers that dazzle and inflate our pride, but on the light that Christ brings from within through His grace, a light that illuminates the soul. And for His Kingdom to come, there must be battles in our hearts, and we must persevere in them for our spiritual strengthening by overcoming the trials that He allows.

Bea and Alberto are very worried about the daily tasks and problems. This causes them not to have time to nurture the intimacy between them and with the Lord. From their hearts arise pride, selfishness, and vanity. When this occurs, they do not have the light that the Spirit leaves through prayer in understanding, so it becomes a very strong struggle that destroys them and takes hold of them. Darkness envelops them in its gloomy mist from which there seems to be no escape. Everything is wrong, and they only manage to see the blame in the other.

By the advice of their mentors, they decide to spend some time before the Lord every day. Gradually, their souls begin to be illuminated, and they see the truth of what lies within them. The real reasons for their sadness and fears.

At last, they have something to start fighting in the right direction. Finally, there is hope.

Mother,

May we submit our hearts to sincere criticism, so that we may see within ourselves, without excuses, the true origin of our sorrows and fears. Then, help us to work for the eternal: Love. Blessed be the Lord, who shows us the way of love.