Was the near destruction of Notre Dame Cathedral simply the result of an accidental fire? Or was it also a prophetic sign?

Following is the meditation of Most Rev. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 21, 2019:

The Gospel passage that the Liturgy places before us on this feast of Corpus Christi contains various paradoxes, as if to show us something excessive, exaggerations.

It is the passage that tells the episode of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes by Jesus according to the version of Luke (9:11b-17).

Following is the reflection by Most Rev. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, for the 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, July 14, 2019:

There are two expressions that give us a first key to understanding today’s Gospel passage (Lk 10:25-37).

The first we find immediately at the beginning, when the evangelist Luke says that a doctor of the Law stands up to test Jesus.

The day after the dramatic fire, the image of the great cross, still intact behind the altar, moved many Catholics.

Moving from despondency to hope, Parisian Catholics during this year's Holy Week, experienced a kind of painful preamble to the Easter celebrations.

Upset by the paralyzing image of the inferno that consumed Notre Dame Cathedral, many felt the need to gather at Saint Sulpice Church, the new rallying point for the Diocese of Paris, on April 16.

Following is an interview on the tragedy in Paris with French prelate Monsignor Hyacinthe Destivelle, head of the eastern section of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.

“It is a catastrophe for Christianity and for the faithful throughout the world. It shakes us hard. And it calls us to put aside the divisions that are afflicting the Church”. French Cardinal Paul Joseph Jean Poupard, historian of religions, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture and of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, is desperate. A leading figure in the Roman Curia. "I can't get my eyes off the distressing scenes on TV", says the 88 year old Cardinal from his Vatican home.

In the wake of September 11, newspapers around the world carried some version of the headline, “We’re All Americans Now.” The idea was that the destruction of the Twin Towers wasn’t just an assault on the United States but on civilization itself, and everyone had a stake in defending it.

That solidarity dissipated fairly quickly amid political debates over post-September 11 foreign policy, but for a brief, shining moment the world was one.

As fire has devastates the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, the building is as much a symbol of the recent history of the Catholic Church in Europe as it once was a symbol of the Church’s power and cultural supremacy. The Church had been in disrepair for decades. Calls for its restoration went mostly ignored until too late. Now that it is in ashes, people weep for its loss.

During this Passiontide, the Church takes us to Jerusalem. After completing his three-year ministry, the Lord Jesus enters the Holy City in triumph. Imitating King Solomon, who rode on an ass into the city of his father for his coronation, Jesus also enters the City of David on a donkey.

The people hail him as king, announce him with messianic chants of hosanna, and throw their clothing and palms at his feet. It was a startling experience, especially to the religious elders who sought to preserve an equilibrium with the occupying Roman authorities.

On Passion Sunday and Good Friday many, perhaps most, churches have a dramatic presentation of the Gospel depictions of the Passion of Jesus. The congregation is forced to identify with the enemies of Jesus 2,000 years ago by crying out, "Crucify him!"

When I have been the celebrant at those Masses, I have felt relieved that my role exempts me from that call, since the priest gets to play Jesus.