of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
NOVEMBER 24, 2016 – WEEK THIRTY-FOUR – THURSDAY – THE JERUSALEM DESTRUCTION

NOVEMBER 24, 2016 – WEEK THIRTY-FOUR – THURSDAY – THE JERUSALEM DESTRUCTION

(Luke 21:20-28)

Prayer: O Jesus, be with us in times of disasters.

Imagination: (Picture Jesus explaining to his disciples the fall of Jerusalem)

Context:

Jesus prophesied that the Romans would destroy Jerusalem, which they did in 70 A.D. Luke wrote his gospel fifteen years after this destruction. However, these words were very important to the earlier believers. They heeded Jesus’ advice to “flee to the mountains” and were saved from death.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to his disciples, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by an army, then know that the desolation is near. Those in Judea should flee to the mountains. Those in the middle of the city must escape. Those in the country must not return. These are the days of vengeance when all that is written will be fulfilled.

Woe to the women who are with child or are nursing at the breast. There will be great distress in the land and great wrath upon the people. People will fall beneath the sword and they will be led captive to the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles, until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled.

There will be signs in the sun, the moon and the stars. On the earth, nature will be in anguish due to the roaring of the waves and the sea. Men will die of fear in anticipation of what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Then, men will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud, with great power and majesty. When these things begin to happen, look up. Lift up your heads because your redemption is near at hand.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. What powerful verses and gigantic prophecies!       Jesus prophesies of two different events, the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and his Second Coming at the end of the world.
  2. The believers could escape Jerusalem if they knew, believed and acted on Jesus’ words. Thousands did just that.
  3. Jesus’ words were totally fulfilled.       People either died by the sword or were taken into captivity. Only the believers were saved.
  4. The Second Coming is different. No one can escape. However, those without Jesus will die of fright.
  5. Those with Jesus will rejoice.
  6. They will see Jesus coming, the One whom they preached and suffered for.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  1. O Jesus, how important are your words.       Place them in my heart.
  2. O Jesus, save me from the disasters and catastrophes. Otherwise, I will be overwhelmed.
  3. Jesus, without you I would die by the sword of afflictions.
  4. Some day soon, you will come for me.
  5. Come, Lord Jesus. I will lift up my head and welcome you.
  6. For you I live. For you I will toil until you come.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

  1. In all my difficulties, I will listen for Jesus’ advice.
  2. Each day, I will prepare for the moment of my death.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)

Lift up your heads. Your redemption is near at hand.