The Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem
At the time of Christ, the Temple in Jerusalem was a massive building; it took forty-six years to complete, and ten thousand skilled workmen were said to have been employed in its construction. According to the historian Josephus, some of the stones were seventy feet in length, twelve feet in height and eighteen feet in width. The Temple was adorned with gold, silver and precious stones; it was a magnificent sight to behold. As the disciples marveled at the Temple, Jesus surprised them by foretelling its destruction. Within forty years, Titus, the son of Emperor Vespasian, together with the Roman legions, eventually destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple.
The disciples asked Jesus, “When will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” (Luke 21:7) Jesus gave the disciples four signs: (1) The first sign is the appearance of false Christs. (Luke 21:8) (2) The second sign are wars and rumors of wars. (Luke 21:9) (3) The third sign are natural calamities. (Luke 21:11) (4) The fourth sign is the persecution of the disciples. (Luke 21:12)
In Catholic Tradition, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem has been regarded as the type and symbol of the Second Coming of Christ. The reason is because these two events are so closely intertwined in Luke 21, such that the literal fulfillment of the first gives an assurance that the latter will surely come to pass. Jesus said: “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Luke 21:33) All that is material and temporal may cease to exist, but the words of Christ are eternal.
In view of such prophecies, the heart of the Christian should be focused on the Second Coming of the Master. The followers of Christ must be on their guard lest they be overcome by evil influences. There will be temptation to self-indulgence, indifference and obsessions to worldly cares. Believers are warned to be on their watch lest the coming of Christ catch them unprepared. They are urged to watch and pray, and to keep the faith so that they may enter the Kingdom of God in heaven.
Thanksgiving Day is the day for us to give thanks to God for all the blessings we have received throughout the year. On November 28, 2019 our church will have its annual Thanksgiving Mass at 11:30 pm. Bread will be blessed and distributed to each family after Mass.
December 9 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The Mass on December 9 will be celebrated at 12:00 pm in English. The Immaculate Conception is the patronal feast day of the United States. All are invited to attend.
This year’s Giving Tuesday will be on December 3, 2019. From November 18 to December 3, invite your relatives and friends to make an online donation to HOLY NAME OF JESUS CHINESE CATHOLIC MISSION in the igivecatholic.org website. Our church has several capital projects planned, which includes fixing the roof leaks and finishing the second floor in the Education Building, and constructing a pavilion and mini-playground for our children.
HOW TO MAKE A DONATION:
- Go to igivecatholic.org
- Click on GIVE BACK
- Select ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA
- Select HOLY NAME OF JESUS CHINESE CATHOLIC MISSION
- Make a donation!