***
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.
***
***
People have wanted to know when the world will end, seemingly from the beginning of time. Even the disciples question the Lord about this in today’s Gospel.
“Teacher, when will this happen?” they ask.
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,” the Lord says. “But it will not immediately be the end.”
Although Jesus speaks about the end of the world, he will reveal neither the day nor the hour, because Christians should live in every age as if the Lord is on his way.
“Stay awake!” he says.
***
Perhaps it’s wise for us to focus on two things that we do know are coming to an end.
The first is quite obvious – we’re quickly approaching the end of the year. The leaves have fallen, the days are getting darker and colder, the time for the harvest is over.
Winter is at hand.
As we wrap up yet another year, perhaps we can spend a moment today looking back, finding a few things we’re grateful for.
***
The second ending is similar. Although we know neither the day nor the hour, we also know that life – my life – is ending at some point.
This is not meant to be a point of sadness, but anticipation. Pope Benedict XVI described the moment of death as, “the great encounter between God and his creation.” Death removes the veil between heaven and earth, allowing us to see the Lord face to face.
This is what all of the prophets longed for in the Old Testament. As the Psalmist says, “Like a dear that years for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, O God. When can I enter and see the face of God?”
***
As we reach the close of another year, now is the time ponder these bigger ideas – death and life; endings and beginnings.
What am I grateful for? And how deeply do I long to see the face of God?
***
***
Image credits: (1) Pinterest (2) Pixels (3) Pinterest