2025-11-16 - The day when no stone will be left on another Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe
16th of November 2025
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
_Mal. 3:29-20_
_2Thess. 3:7-12_
_Lk. 21:5-19_
The last three Sundays of the Church's Liturgical Calendar are always focused on the last things; the end of the world and coming of the Lord, the last judgement and eternity in heaven or hell.
This year, I chose to reflect on the implications of Jesus' response to those were admiring the beauty of the temple, and were speaking about how it 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."
Recall that the temple in Jerusalem built by Solomon was so beautiful. However, it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC headed by Nebuchadnezzar II. This happened because of their disobedience.
The second temple built by Herod was destroyed in 70 CE following a revolt by the Jews against the Roman rule.
As beautiful as these temples were, they were destroyed.
Dear friends, although the destruction and rebuilding of the temple showed judgment and restoration, I think it also points to something deeper. The prophecy of Jesus about the temple and it's fulfilment tells us that no matter how beautiful, how magnificent a thing is, it is not permanent. Jesus reminds us that what we see, have and admire now, may too pass away. Do you brag with physical beauty, money, etc, they may not last forever.
He also tells us to live beyond appearance. Appearance alone can be deceptive. What is inside is what matters.
Then again, he wants us to live out the real essence of the temple, which are love, goodness, kindness, compassion. These will be our ticket to everlasting life.
Finally, Jesus wants us to recognize the cycle of life; that there is time for everything (Ecc. 3:1-4). Know that everything has it's time and season.
It is also a message of hope. The difficult moments will not last forever. After destruction, there will be a restoration
God's grace and a happy Sunday
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