A reading from the gospel according to Luke 21:20-28
Jesus said to his disciples:
20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand.
21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city,
22 for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled.
23 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people.
24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
26 People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
Reflection: Redemption
At the end of time, Jesus will come again with power and great glory but before this could happen, there will be great tragedies and destruction. It will be a time of judgment and punishment. Yet, it will also be the time of redemption for those who are prepared by being faithful to the teachings of Jesus. Therefore, the second coming of the Lord is a welcome event for those who truly love Him.
The prophecy of Jesus about the fall of Jerusalem as we read in the gospel above was actually fulfilled in 70 AD when Roman soldiers laid siege in Jerusalem and surrounded it with a wall. But before city’s fall, the Christians who remembered this warning of Jesus were spared because they fled the city before its actual destruction. This is really a warning to get our acts together, believe in the gospel and live a holy life. Thus, we will not be terrified of whatever calamities that will cross our path.
There is no doubt that God loves us so much as to send His only Son Jesus to redeem. If we believe in Him, we will not perish. Instead we will have everlasting life us (John 3:16). This is the promise of the scripture. This is what makes us confident that we shall be saved at the end of time. This is because Jesus has already redeemed us by His death and resurrection.
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In this Gospel passage, Jesus foretells challenging events: the destruction of Jerusalem, turmoil among nations, and signs in the heavens. His words describe chaos and fear, yet they also point to an enduring hope. While it may seem like a prophecy of despair, Jesus encourages His followers not to lose heart. Instead, He urges us to “stand up and lift your heads because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).
This message resonates deeply today. We live in a world marked by uncertainty, wars, natural disasters, and societal upheaval. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the darkness surrounding us. However, Jesus offers us a perspective shift. These signs, as troubling as they appear, are reminders that God’s plan is unfolding. They are not the end but a preparation for the fulfillment of His promises.
The key to navigating such times is trust in God. Jesus emphasizes vigilance, prayer, and faith. He doesn’t promise the absence of hardship but assures us of His presence and ultimate victory. By focusing on Him, we find courage to face challenges and assurance that the brokenness of this world will give way to the glorious redemption He has planned.
Three Lessons for an Enduring Faith
1. God is in Control:
When chaos seems to reign, it’s crucial to remember that nothing catches God by surprise. The turmoil Jesus describes wasn’t a random occurrence; it was part of God’s sovereign plan. Similarly, the struggles we face are under His watchful eye. He is not distant but actively working to bring good out of every situation (Romans 8:28).
Keep an Eternal Perspective:
Jesus invites us to lift our eyes beyond immediate troubles and see the bigger picture. The suffering and challenges of this life are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. As Paul wrote, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Hope Inspires Action:
Instead of succumbing to fear, we are called to stand firm and shine God’s light in a dark world. As we await redemption, let us be active in loving others, sharing the Gospel, and living out our faith. Our hope isn’t passive—it propels us to be agents of change and vessels of His grace.
The Gospel reading above challenges us to reframe our perspective during difficult times. While fear is a natural response to uncertainty, Jesus offers a supernatural alternative: faith that looks beyond today’s troubles to the eternal promise of redemption.
Let us take His words to heart. Stand firm, lift your heads, and trust in the God who redeems, restores, and reigns. No matter how dark the night, the dawn of His glory is coming. As we wait, may our hope in Christ be unshakable, our prayers steadfast, and our love for others a beacon of His light.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Amen.
