FOCUS, NOT ON THE WORLD, BUT ON THE LORD

 “SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

23rd November 2021

------------------------------------------------

TUESDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Dan 2: 31-45; Dan 3: 57- 61; Lk 21: 5-11

------------------------------------------------

FOCUS, NOT ON THE WORLD, BUT ON THE LORD

‘The world is going to end. All the evil deeds around us are the signs of the end of the world. Nations are against nations, wars everywhere and people are dying of hunger and deadly diseases. Injustice has become common in every society and culture. There is no value for virtues and good works.’ These are the very thoughts that may haunt many of us now and then. Some even proclaim in the streets that the end is near; they are called ‘doomsday prophets.’ Am I a follower of them? Do such thoughts make me believe that the end is near? Listen to the Lord’s words today, as he refers to the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem. 

Luke is writing his gospel about fifty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Terrifying and terrible events had taken place during those years. There were wars, political revolutions, catastrophes; the beautiful Jerusalem temple was razed to the ground by the Romans. Christians were being subjected to all kinds of persecution. It is at this time that Luke reminds them of the words of Jesus. Jesus had foreseen all that would happen and knew well what would happen in our times too. Therefore, his words carry an enduring message, just as relevant to us as to those early Christians. 

“This is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once.” The new creation is already among us but its realization is slow and laborious. Its appearance can be compared to childbirth which is indeed painful. The defeat of evil should not be confused with the destruction of the earth. Furthermore, we may never know ‘the day nor the hour’ of the end of the world, but we know the Master, and therefore, we should focus our attention on his victorious cross and his plans for us and for the world, instead of the happenings around. This will help us be prepared to welcome him whenever he comes. 

Response: Sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.  

Copyright ©2013-2021 ©Springs of Living Water by ® http://springs.carmelmedia.in