The Signs of the End

Today's Reflections

                                                                                   

 

The Signs of the End

Lk 21:5-11

⁵While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, [Jesus] said, ⁶“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.”

⁷Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” ⁸He 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! ⁹When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” ¹⁰Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”

SEE THAT YOU NOT BE DECEIVED. The temple at Jerusalem is the center of Jewish religion. The Jews take pride in, and feel secure for, having God dwelling among them.

In the Gospel, some people express their admiration for the beautiful design and stonework of this place of worship. In reply, Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, indicating that the stones whose strength and beauty elicit admiration will be nothing but rubble in the future.

When asked what signs will precede this tragedy, Jesus cautions his followers not to misread the signs, be taken in by false prophets, or be misled by leaders who proclaim themselves to be saviors of God’s people.

He then pictures a time of wars and insurrections, earthquakes and famines and plagues. These catastrophic world events and cosmic eruptions, however, should not terrify the disciples. Jesus paints a picture of hope in the midst of doom and gloom. God will finally bring God’s kingdom at the appointed time. The challenge is to live the present in expectation and anticipation, in faith and fidelity.

“The real importance of the end times is in the present…

The future is about the now and our knowledge of the future

is about how we will live in the present” (Ray Bucko, SJ).