Closing out 2020 (Luke 21:5-11)

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Gospel:

While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” 
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ 
Do not follow them! 
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.” 
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”  

The Gospel of the Lord.

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It seems everyone wants to know when the world will end, even the disciples in today’s Gospel. But Jesus only offers them an elusive answer, saying there will be wars, earthquakes, famines, and plagues.

But even that will not be the end. The easiest answer, then, is, “Nobody knows.” 

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Perhaps it’s wisest to focus on two things that we do know are coming to an end.

The first is quite obvious – we’re approaching the end of the year. The leaves have fallen, the days are getting darker, colder, and the time for harvesting is over. 

Winter is at hand.

As we prepare to mark the end of this calendar year, we should take a few moments to reflect upon 2020. It was a year like none other. And while it’s easy to complain – to see all the things that went wrong – what can we say went right?

Did we draw closer to the Lord? Did we become more grateful for the people and blessings in our lives?

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While we know neither the day nor the hour, we also know that our lives are coming to an end.

Think of the person who just received a terminal diagnosis…the officer who didn’t return home from work…or those who lost their lives in wildfires or hurricanes this year.

For them, the world – not just the year – came unexpectedly to an end.

It’s a sobering truth, but Jesus reminds us today to remember that all things are passing, even the world and we who call it home. 

So, how ready are we to see the Lord?

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Advent is the time for us to reflect on these deeper, more uncomfortable, questions.

Whether or not the end is near, we who believe shall rejoice to see the Lord come.

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