Luke 21:29-33 NRSVue
29Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
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Reflection on Luke 21:29-33
Inspiration from 2025-11-28 Daily Prayer
The springtime comes around year after year, bringing the new leaves to the trees so that we might think that this will go on forever. But it is all temporal, and in the meantime, even the trees will outlive us. As we age, we begin to experience the difficulties that come with old age, and we recognise our own end-time approaching. Let us pray to accept our growing weakness graciously and to surrender more and more to God.
Further reflection
"These things" that Jesus predicts are great trouble and strife. He doesn't flinch from that. But, in the same breath he affirms that the "Kingdom of God" is near.
How do I respond to the new developments in my life - in our world, particularly the fearful ones? What does Jesus' affirmation of the nearness of the Kingdom of God say to this?
That is a hard lesson to learn: that when our lives are disturbed and uncertain, the kingdom of God is near. He is present in our sorrowful mysteries as well as our joyful. St John of the Cross used to say: /Love is the fruit of faith, that is to say, of darkness./ We cling to you, Lord, in our uncertainty.
The words of God, the faithfulness and the promises of God and the love of God will never leave us. Just as fig trees ripen every year and bear fruit, God is true and certain. Prayer based on the words of God gives us a security and a love in life that nothing can move.
In the middle of all sorts of natural and economic and other disasters, the word of God offers truth and a strong place. It is a rock on which we stand, and on which we withstand forces of evil in the culture and in our own lives. There is something about Jesus which never passes away. We find that in prayer.