***
Gospel: Luke 21: 5-19
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.
“Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
***
***
When is the world going to end? And how is it going to end?
Does it end in fire? Does it end in ice?
***
Such questions have fascinated people from the beginning of time.
Jesus speaks about the end of the world in today’s Gospel, saying there will be wars, powerful earthquakes, famines, plagues, and the widespread persecution of Christians.
Signs that might point towards the end, signs some of us may have experienced. I think, in particular, of our nation’s veterans, whom we honored on Friday.
***
I’m sure it felt like the end for millions of soldiers who fought in World War Two. Those muddy fields and stench-filled beaches resembled the apocalypse.
Hitler was systematically trying to wipe out an entire people, killing them in concentration camps, while taking over large swaths of Europe.
Many wondered if this were the decisive battle between good and evil.
We know now it wasn’t.
But the experience of World War Two can teach us an important lesson about the end of the world – and our role in it.
***
Remember what happened in the summer of 1944. On June 6, Allied troops landed in Normandy where they began their slow, bloody march towards Paris.
Weeks later as American boots marched through the Arc de Triomphe, many felt that the war was coming to an end. But they couldn’t put their weapons down yet.
There was still great suffering and bloodshed ahead as it took nearly another year to reach Hitler. But our generals knew we could win, if only our troops persevered.
And persevere they did.
On September 2, 1945, World War Two was over.
Peace was felt around the world.
***
In a similar way, Jesus encourages us to see ourselves like the Allied troops marching through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris; we know the decisive battle between good and evil is coming to an end.
In one way it’s already over.
But in another it’s not.
***
It’s over in the sense that Jesus has been raised from the dead. He conquered death on Easter Sunday.
But it’s not over in the sense that peace isn’t reigning in every heart from sea to shining sea just yet. We still have work to do.
Think about how many of our brothers and sisters are caught in the web of poverty, hunger, violence, and addiction.
Their struggles create conflict within themselves and within their communities.
Even in our own families, there is often conflict – grudges held for too long, piles of unfair judgment, poor communication, loneliness, and severed relationships.
While we all want peace, there is still much work to be done. Perhaps we should consider how hard we ourselves strive for that peace.
***
As one Russian novelist put it, “If only it were all so simple! But the dividing line between good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?”
Our hearts are colored in shades of grey – we have both innocence and guilt, light and darkness, good and evil at work within us.
We all must bear some sense of responsibility for the state of world, our families, and ourselves, for better and for worse.
***
How might I work for greater peace and reconciliation around me?
***
Like the Allied troops marching through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, we are on the right side of history. But we must persevere in living out our faith. The battle is not over yet.
Remaining faithful not only secures our own lives, but also encourages many others along the way.
***
***
Image credits: (1) army.mil, US Army (2) Politico (3) The Times of Israel
