When you see ally ese things happening, know that the reign of God is near

When you see ally ese things happening, know that the reign of God is near

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Rev. 20:1-4.21:1-2, Lk. 21:29-33. The apocalyptic book of Revelation was written for Christians who were dumbfounded by persecution under the Roman empire and the Church felt hounded on all sides. Today's first reading foretold the collapse of the tyrannical empire, leading to a period of peace and harmony. After that will come the second appearance of Christ, the new Heavens and the new earth, the new holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God. Today’s Gospel offers a much plainer image for something new about to happen. From the example of the budding fig tree we know that summer is near. So “when you see all the things happening, know that the reign of God is near.” The two readings offer signs whose meaning is not immediately clear and we ask the Lord to show what these signs mean for us, here and now.

We live in a world of flux, of rapid and bewildering change, changes in society, changes in the Church, miracles and menaces of digital wizardry. Many people find change disconcerting and unsettling. In the midst of such challenging change we need some kind of spiritual anchor, some solid truths that can be trusted. We find change easier to manage if at least some things remain the same. Jesus told us to expect change, not just gradual change as in the seasons of the year, but change on a cosmic scale, hugely significant change. He talks of Heaven and earth passing away, the most radical change of all. Then He promises that something will never change: “My words will never pass away.” Throughout our life the word of the Lord remains constant, because God is faithful. In the midst of flux the Lord abides; when all else is whirling, our connection with God, our trust in Him, keeps us steady and on course to meet God face to face.

May the Lord God grant us the grace to live in conscious preparedness and vigilant expectation of the coming of the Son of God! Amen!! Stay safe and have a terrific day!!!

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