Jesus uses two important examples in his message for reform in our lives. Both were events in which revolutionary movements centered on a political Messiah came to utter ruin. These events would prefigure the utter ruin that would befall Israel in its revolt against the Roman Empire. The insistence that religion is primarily about politics always and everywhere leads to complete devastation.
Religion is not about political ideologies and Messiah figures. It is not about culture wars or social justice movements. Religion is first and foremost the cura animarum - the care of souls. It is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue in the life of persons and societies. Religion is about the gradual transformation of individuals and communities from ignorance and sin to wisdom and holiness. If the Church closes a parish and abandons a neighborhood, we cannot be surprised at that community's collapse
So, today we are reminded of our constant need to reform our attitudes regarding Jesus and authentic religion. Religion is not about building earthly kingdoms; it is a pilgrimage to the kingdom of God where along the way we avoid the allure of false Messiahs on our right and on our left. Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on...
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