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.
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Some thoughts on this scripture
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.
Reflection
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?
Reflection
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.
Reflection
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.
Reflection
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.