Jeremiah 33:14-16 1 Thessalonians 3:12--4:2 Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
The liturgical season of Advent, which means "coming ", requires us to be time travelers. We are asked to focus on three different “comings” of Jesus : To look back to the in-breaking of the kingdom of God in the person of Jesus born at Bethlehem, to look forward to his coming again at the end of time and, finally, to pay attention to his coming to us daily in our present lives.
The focus of today's gospel is his future coming and the gospel contains some frightening imagery: "People will die of fright ", “ The powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
For the just, however there is nothing to fear. Jesus tells his disciples, “When these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.“
The future can be frightening because it is something over which we have no control. But today’s gospel reminds us that our future is in God’s hands.
Disciples of Jesus have important work to do. He has left us his example and his preaching to light our way. Like him, we care for the marginalized, oppose unjust structures and prioritize acceptance and inclusion. But ultimately the coming of the kingdom is God’s accomplishment. We are God’s servants. And if we are faithful disciples we need not be afraid.
by: Pat Schnee
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