Thoughts for the Day

The Coming of the Son of Man

‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

Then Jesus told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Exhortation to Watch

‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

I am confused! It's Advent Sunday the start of the Church Year which ushers in a period of reflection leading to Christmas, but my family are celebrating American Thanksgiving Day; and my local church has a Christingle service! My mind is also concerned over major things - the recent Cop 29 Climate Change Conference and the crazy weather from fires, floods, and tornadoes which have caused much loss of life; the two major wars (Ukraine and Russia, and Israel and Palestine); and the changeover of Government in the USA.

When Luke recorded Jesus' words his world was also in turmoil. We should never forget that a few years before Jesus appeared, the Romans had crucified thousands of Jews after a rebellion. Life was very precarious. Jesus speaks of a time when all is in turmoil and the "Son of Man" (ie the Messiah) will return at the end of time to judge the world. Those listening thought that this terrifying "Day of the Lord" would be in their lifetime. But God's time seems to be different to ours!

We don't know when this will happen, and have to live as best we can in uncertain times. We need to live by our principles, applying kindness, honesty, truthfulness and love to all that we think and do. On a practical level we should do some Advent reading; and/or resolve to make a change to our lifestyle to help offset climate change; and/or give to help the poor and needy, through our time, or talents or money. Finally can we all 'up our game' with regard to our prayer life? So it's "Keep calm and carry on .....!" (Add your own word, eg "reading", "praying", "helping" etc).

Lord Jesus Christ,
As we enter this new liturgical year
and the season of Advent,
may we find time amidst all our busyness
for reflection, as well as action.
Help us to increase our prayer time
and not to let the world's frenetic needs
get in the way of some serious thought.
May we prepare spiritually for the
anniversary of Your birth in Bethlehem,
and look ahead to Your second coming.
Amen.