Luke 21:29-33
Jesus told his disciples a parable. "Consider the
fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for
yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see
these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to
you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken
place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."
* * *
Introductory Prayer: Dear Jesus, I
believe in you and in the Kingdom you are building in and through me. I believe
in the value of my sacrifice and struggles united to yours. I hope to arrive to
heaven when you say it is time. I wish to spend myself for those I should love
the most.
Petition: Thy Kingdom come, both now and forever!
1. See for Yourselves: In today’s
Gospel, Jesus is responding to the disciples’ anxious plea for a “when” and a
“with what warning” the end will come (Luke 21:7). He tells them some signs
that will precede the imminent fall of Jerusalem as well as the coming of the
Son of Man “on the clouds.” But these will all be very apparent, like the
coming of summer. So don’t be obsessed with figuring out the “when.” Focus on
living and knowing the Kingdom of God now. How easily we are distracted with
all that happens around us, yet how difficult it is to be aware of the Kingdom
and its demands in my heart and my relations to others in my life! What efforts
do I make to discover and to know the present demands of his Kingdom in my
life?
2. The Kingdom of God Will Come: Jesus has used
many images to describe the Kingdom of God. Like the mustard seed, it is hard
to recognize at first. It begins small and grows slowly. But it will come, and
this must be our daily prayer of desire: “Thy Kingdom Come!” We must resist a
very real temptation. Almost unconsciously we want it to be a worldly Kingdom
that will come during our lifetime. We work and pray as though we will soon
arrive at our goals and rest from all our spiritual labors. This leads us to
get easily discouraged at our lack of progress in prayer and virtue, no less
than with the problems that surround us. No, we must live with hope, pushing
forward with growing confidence that the Lord will bring his Kingdom to
fulfillment, both in us and in the world – when the time is right. Whose
kingdom am I seeking?
3. My Words Will Not Pass Away: Another
temptation in awaiting the Kingdom is to despair of the times of trial through
which we must pass. But in the words of St. Theresa of Jesus, “all things
pass,” only God remains. Nothing we suffer will remain as the Kingdom
approaches. And yet all these “trials” are the most valuable and powerful means
to bring about the Kingdom in our own souls and in the lives of others,
especially in those who wander. Use the tools of the Kingdom: Suffer trials
with faith, and respond with a love that gives them an eternal value. May we
never lose a moment in which to merit graces and to build the Kingdom that
comes. In the end, only what we have done for God and for our brothers and
sisters remains.
Conversation with Christ
Lord Jesus, give me a greater faith and
confidence that every cross and burden, no matter how trivial or small, is a
means to love. I want to build your Kingdom with you. Keep me focused on the
opportunities and demands of the present moment.
Resolution: I will make one small sacrifice at a meal today for someone I wish I
could help more.