GOSPEL: Luke 21:5-19
When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, he said, 'All these things you are staring at now -- the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another; everything will be destroyed.' And they put to him this question, 'Master,' they said, 'when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that it is about to take place?' But he said, 'Take care not to be deceived, because many will come using my name and saying, "I am the one" and "The time is near at hand." Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once.' Then he said to them, 'Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven. 'But before all this happens, you will be seized and persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name -and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Make up your minds not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated universally on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your perseverance will win you your lives.

REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel begins with people commenting on the adornments of the temple and votive offerings. After hearing their words, Jesus makes a statement that must have been unsettling to his listeners. He said: “All that you see here, the days will come when there will not be left stone upon stone upon another stone. All of the stones will be thrown down.”

Naturally, his disciples said: “When will this happen? What signs can we look for so we will be prepared?” Jesus then tells his disciples to “beware.” He says: “Many people will come and try to deceive you, saying ‘I am he’ or ‘The time has come.’ However, do not follow them.” Jesus also predicts “one nation will rise against another nation. And there will be earthquakes, famines, and plagues.”

Jesus’ description sounds like the state of our world today. Nations are at war. Men and women are starving and living in destitution. Everyday women, men, and children are abused physically, sexually, and emotionally. Numerous people are killed on the streets. And as we well know, Australia is not an exception. Yet we claim to be civilized, a “first world country.”

Today Jesus encourages us to “seek what will last,” to seek what is good and loving. If each one of us did this, we might change our hearts, our country and perhaps our world. What will we choose today? Will we simply maintain the status quo? (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL
With 3 million people living below the poverty line in Australia, including over 739,000 children, your donation allows the St Vincent de Paul Society to provide more than immediate help, it provides something much more valuable - the opportunity for a better life.

This year we are again seeking your support to help those less fortunate in our community through generous donations of non-perishable food items, gift vouchers or gifts or new toys for children or a thoughtful gift for an adult.

Each classroom has been provided with a basket for you to place your donations in and we will be delivering them to the Yass branch of St Vincent de Paul at the end of the term.  Your generosity and support is most appreciated.

God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator