Assumption Grotto Church in Detroit, shared a reflection on their August 2 bulletin about the destruction of Jerusalem and a directive about following God with fervor.

Jesus Christ spoke literally as well as in a spiritual sense about the destruction of Jerusalem, which would come to pass in the year 66 A.D. The Roman army of Cestius Gallus invaded the city and while it looked like he might destroy it, withdrew, giving the Christians the chance to leave the city and seek out safety. 

“They sought refuge in the mountains away from Jerusalem. Here was a pagan army fulfilling the prophecy of the Lord without knowing it. It was soon afterward that another army arrived following another rebellion in the city and that army completely destroyed the city,” the bulletin said. 

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St. Paul wrote about the incident and said that while it was a real event, it also speaks to our spiritual destruction if we fail to heed the words of the Lord. 

“On July 12 each year the Church honors a Saint not on the new calendar St. John Gualbert. He was a Benedictine hermit in Italy who was born around the

year 1000. In that time in Italy, simony the crime of buying and selling of bishoprics and even  sacraments was common throughout Italy and other countries,” the bulletin said. 

Gualbert fought against this sin and tried to turn those who were perpetuating this false teaching towards truth. 

“The zeal of the founder inspired many, but, as with our faith, too, the burden must be taken up by those who come after the founder lest that zeal wane

and the love of God and neighbor grow cold,” the bulletin said. 

While it can be a challenge to stay in God’s truth and remain faithful to the Lord’s words, God will be faithful to us when we trust in him. 

“When the Lord asks will he find faith when he returns, it is in the context of perseverance. Those who persevere to the end will win the crown.

Our perseverance can only be maintained through prayer. The greatest prayer of the Church the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and our private, mental prayer that should be part of every day,” the bulletin said.