Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13
Saint Columban
Take Care Not to Be Deceived
Brethren, Jesus is aware that as he prepares us for the final day, some will come before this day and start deceiving us. “Many will come in my name saying, ‘I am he’; do not follow them... Refuse to join them.” One wonders why there is a staggering number of Christian churches in Africa and the world today; even as we speak, new denominations are created and preachers multiply daily. But, curiously, with this increase in evil in our world today, one would think that more churches should mean greater holiness, but the opposite seems to be the case. The truth is that a “church” has become a business, and people go to great lengths to make their “business” more lucrative, even if it entails using diabolic means or twisting the Christian truths to sound sweeter to their followers. But a bad tree cannot bear good fruit; we shall know them by their fruits. Christ has warned us: not everyone who comes in Jesus’ name is of Jesus.
The most abused Gospel texts by these preachers are those concerning the end of the world. These preachers come with terrifying messages that the world will end soon and then demand unthinkable demands, for instance, selling everything and giving to them and others. Some even go as far as to say that they are the Christ. However, as bad trees cannot bear good fruit, history has proven them wrong, and time will still prove them wrong. The question remains: why are there still many people being taken away by these false preachers even when these people know the truth and have proved that most of these preachers are false? Let's be aware of the kingdom of Satan that is also fighting to take us away. Satan is so cunning that without the aid of the Holy Spirit, you cant escape his traps. Don't be deceived.
Jesus knowing this, he gives us, in today's Gospel, what will show that the end of time is near. Jesus said that there would be wars, calamities, and cosmic signs, but they are not meant to make us gullible in believing fake men and women who would use the opportunity to confuse us and deprive us of our valuables. These signs will precede the final day and will mark that the final day is near. Maximus of Turin (died between 408-423 AD) comments on this passage: "Perhaps you are anxious, brothers and sisters, at the fact that we hear constantly of the tumult of wars and the onsets of battles. Perhaps your love is still more anxious since these are taking place in our times. The reason is that the closer we are to the destruction of the world, the closer we are to the kingdom of the Savior. The Lord himself says, 'In the last days, nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. When you see wars, earthquakes and famines, know that the kingdom of God is at hand.’ This nearness of wars shows us that Christ is near." (excerpt from SERMON 85.1). Is the end near? In God's time, one day is like a thousand years, but what we are certain of, the end is coming. We are expected to be alert in faith and good works, doing the will of God.
One of the prophecies of Jesus in today's Gospel was fulfilled in 70 AD by the destruction of the temple. Jesus had said that for the beautiful adornments of the temple, the time would come when no single stone would be left unturned and everything would be destroyed, and this happened. Today, like in Jesus's time, we still marvel at the beauty of our monuments; we take pride in our cities and their lights; we boast perhaps even more of our technology, transportation, communications, and excellent entertainment. While all these things are good and can be used for good, people can let themselves become puffed up with pride and lose sight of who inspires man’s awesome achievements. After all, the temple is not about the precious stones that adorn it, but the spiritual prayers and sacrifices offered there. Let’s keep our focus not on the shiny stones that adorn our temples and churches, but on keeping our interior castle swept clean and suitable for a visit from the King of Kings. More still, let us not focus on the present most beautiful things in the world; they will pass away, and so let us focus on preparing and adorning our spiritual lives so that at the end of time we shall be worthy to live with Jesus forever.
On the day of judgement, when the Lord returns, there will be a final judgement of the living and the dead when the secrets of every heart will be brought to light (Luke 12:2–3; Romans 2:16). This judgement will be based on the signs of God's judgement, mercy, and grace to save us, but on top of them is justice. Sometimes we don't recognize the moral crisis and spiritual conflict of the age in which we live until something "shakes us up" to the reality of this present condition. God reminds us that a future judgement and outcome await every individual who has lived on this earth. The reward for doing what is right and pleasing to God and the penalty for sinful rebellion and rejection of God are not always experienced in this present life, but they are sure to come on the day of final judgment. We have to be aware of false prophets who may come at any moment, as we see today, to take us away from being really prepared for the last day.
The Lord Jesus tells us that there will be trials, suffering, and persecution in this present age until he comes again at the end of the world. God intends our anticipation of his final judgement to be a powerful deterrent to unfaithfulness and wrongdoing. But God will extend grace and mercy to all who will heed his call and his warning. Those who will persevere up to the end will be saved. Do not pass up, even for one day, God's invitation of grace and mercy to seek first his kingdom of righteousness and peace. This day may be your only chance before that final day comes.
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, your grace and mercy abound even amid trials and difficulties. Help me to seek your kingdom first and to reject whatever would hinder me from pursuing your way of peace, righteousness, and holiness. Fill me with the joy and hope of your everlasting kingdom. Give me the Spirit of discernment that I may never be deceived to part away from you. Amen
Be blessed
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