Daily reflection – 12/1/2023
Sacred Scripture
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.” (Luke 21: 29-33)
Reflection
Today’s scripture is sobering. Jesus tells his disciples the parable of the fig tree. He describes the natural cycle of trees from spring through winter. Jesus uses the metaphor of nature to help us understand his teaching. We know the cycle of the seasons and we understand the changes that occur with each season. This analogy enables us to better understand what Jesus is saying to us.
Jesus tells his disciples that all created things will pass away. However, his words will never pass away. As we know from our own experience, life can change quickly. The change may be a positive one. However, change also can be difficult and painful. A family member may get seriously ill. Financial troubles may create great distress and fear. Changing jobs or moving to another city is not an easy process. Or perhaps your teenager is “hanging out” with the wrong crowd.
However, Jesus reassures us that there is one reality we may always rely on: “Heaven and earth may not pass away, but my words (and my love) will never pass away!” When life is difficult, painful or confusing, Jesus is with us. He pours out his love, grace and strength upon us. He will not abandon us!
Sometimes it is trials that are the most powerful change agents in our lives. In difficulty or tragedy, we grieve, we falter, we pray to pass through it. Have it go away. In time, it does. We learn something about ourselves. We learn that we may be stronger than we think, we find that walking alone is difficult, but we do, we find that constant worry is debilitating and more but somehow, we move on.
Our faith teaches us that our God is with us. Strrengthening us even though we may not know it. Consoling us even though we may not feel it. Giving us hope even though we may not feel it immediately. That’s our God.
The earthly world may push us down. But the kingdom of God never changes. His love for us and His promises of bringing us to our eternal home endures. We must always focus on his love for us, his presence at our side, his shadow in ours.
Prayer of The Day
“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.”
Daily Note
While we wait for the Lord’s physical return in glory, we can know his presence with us through the work and action of the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts. The Lord Jesus comes daily and frequently to those who long for him and he speaks tenderly to our hearts like a lover who whispers in the ear of the beloved. He comes to show us the way to our heavenly Father and to give us the hope of eternal life
