Tuesday 28 November 2023

Today is Tuesday 28 November, in the 34th week of Ordinary time.
The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Encore un peu de temps: “In a little while I will make heaven and earth tremble. Then the One desired by all nations will appear. I will fill this temple with glory and to this place I will bring peace.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 21:5-11

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’

They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them. ‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

Imagine this magnificent temple, this place of worship steeped in symbolism and history, here being admired, perhaps in thoughtful conversation, by the disciples. “…adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God”. Stay with that gorgeous place in your imagination.

Jesus foretells the temple’s destruction, and terrifying events, wars, uprisings, earthquakes, famines, plagues. Can you make sense of his words? Can you make sense of terrifying events around us today?

As you hear the passage again, does it reveal anything new to you about Jesus, about his purpose?

“Do not be terrified.” Can you hold on to these words of Jesus in the midst of chaos today?

Speak to the Lord, in these closing moments, about what today’s reading has stirred in you. Lift up your heart to the Lord amidst the chaos of today.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.