Gospel
Luke 21:5-11
At that time: While some were speaking of the Temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, Jesus said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’ And they asked him, ‘Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?’ And he said, ‘See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and, “The time is at hand!” Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.’
Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.’
The Gospel of the Lord
Through this Gospel, Jesus urges us to set our gaze on what truly matters: placing all our trust in Him, while remaining vigilant against temptations and the deceptions of false prophets.
Today, we want our children to learn several languages, to acquire endless professional skills, to study abroad… and all of that is good in itself. But we should ask ourselves: Are we educating them for the Kingdom of God—the only thing that is truly important?
And what about us, as spouses? Is our life adorned with many “precious stones and votive offerings”? Perhaps we place our confidence above all in our social circles, in keeping busy with endless plans, in material comforts, or in being seen as “the ones to follow”. But do these things really draw us closer to God, or do they simply inflate our vanity and tie us to earthly concerns?
We must remain faithful to our vocation: holiness within marriage. We must strive daily for it and help other couples discover the beauty of this call, so they do not settle for superficialities. Once we are clear about our goal, everything else will fall into its proper place.
Our goal is Heaven.
Applied to Married Life
Martha: Darling, have you noticed how stylish Lily always looks?
Albert: To be honest, I much prefer seeing how beautiful you are—inside, and yes, on the outside too. You have a beauty no treatment or make-up could ever produce. All those hours you give to the Lord, the love you pour into everything you do for Him… it radiates from you. It’s a light no one can manufacture by thinking only of themselves.
Martha: It’s true that since I’ve tried to do everything as Our Lady would—my work, the cooking, caring for the children, being with you—I’ve discovered a happiness that I know isn’t mine. It’s a gift from the Lord.
Albert: If I’m honest, there were times I wished you’d make a little more effort with your appearance… but the Lord is helping me to detach from material things and to see with His eyes, with a more supernatural gaze. It has turned out to be a real blessing; it’s helping me focus more on my interior life too.
Martha: I’ve told you more than once—I can really see how you’re changing since you’ve been taking your prayer life more seriously. The other day, Samuel told me he sees you differently: happier, calmer. Let’s ask the Lord to keep us faithful to what truly matters.
Mother,
We long to follow in your footsteps, to discern what really matters, and to remain firmly on the path of holiness. Glory to the Lord who makes it possible!