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Gospel: Luke 21:5-11
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 is ending, 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. So, the easiest answer is simply, “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 are falling, the days are getting darker and 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 2021. It was a strange year in many ways: COVID’s still present; our nation remains divided; the economy is still recovering, and so on.
While it’s easy to see the negatives, 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 received a terminal diagnosis…the officer or soldier who didn’t return home…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. We know the Lord is coming. But, we who are prepared shall rejoice to see him as we enter his kingdom of peace.
Come, Lord Jesus.
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Image credits: (1) Velocity Test Prep (Loony Tunes) (2) Our Savior Lutheran Church (3) We Heart It