The news media keeps telling us that because Thanksgiving is late this year, there are fewer shopping days til Christmas! That must be why, since the first week in November Christmas display have been cropping up in stores, and early Black Friday deals have already begun. My email is filled with Christmas sales – all the must have electronic items for this year and the great prices if you shop early!

And in this context approaching the holiday season, we pick up a gospel reading that begins by telling us how people were admiring the costly stones and fancy votive offerings in the temple area. Jesus responds by telling them that days are coming when not one of those stones will be left standing, and the temple itself will be destroyed. He goes on to remind them what is really important in this life – to treasure and to hold onto that which lasts into eternity. He talks about the sufferings in life that they will endure, but that too does not last forever. Faith in Jesus and living a faith filled life is what guarantees life eternal – not a hair of your head will be harmed and you will secure your life.

Jesus is speaking to a people who knew great suffering, a people who had little hope of a better future. They were poor, oppressed, and sorrow filled; they were plagued by diseases and struggled to survive every single day. And Jesus points out that hope does not come from clinging to things but comes from following Him and knowing that HE is the way to a better life – not necessarily now but in God’s kingdom. And people were hungry to hear that message.

In spite of what the advertising industry says, that this product of that one will bring happiness, the world continues to be hungry for the message of the gospel. There is a longing in all of our hearts that cannot be satisfied by the things of life; that hunger if for God and for the fulfillment which only God can bring.

And I think that is a wonderful message for all of to carry into the upcoming Christmas season. In a couple of weeks we will begin the Advent Season and a whole new liturgical year – the time for being watchful and waiting. Let us keep our eyes focused on Jesus during these coming weeks and remember what lasts forever.