Gospel: (Luke 21:5-19)
Jesus said: “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end. Nations will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky. Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony….You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
Reflection:
The gospel predicts end times; our challenge though is to live faithfully now. Jesus lists signs of the end times such as wars, insurrection, earthquakes, famine, plagues, but we need not fear these cosmic events as frightening and disheartening as they may be. Jesus admonishes that these signs are now and so the future is “now.” The condition for our life and our not having fear of the end times is to trust in God and to live by Jesus’ name now. As disciples we must never lose the perseverance to face these tribulations and bring about a better world in which all might live in peace. We must live faithfully now. Everyday is an opportunity to live discipleship fully and confidently. When all is said and done, unity with Jesus now is the only thing that guarantees unity with Jesus for all eternity. (Living Liturgy, p.248)
Vincentian Meditation:
We are pilgrims on the way to heaven. Jesus is our way. We are following the right way if Jesus Christ can at all times share our thoughts, our words, our actions. St. Vincent often proposed to people as a program for their lives the simple question: “What would Jesus Christ do, if He were in my place now?” (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 736)
Discussion: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)
What would Jesus Christ do, if He were in our Conference now?
Closing Prayer:
May we fearlessly speak your love to all we meet,
-Jesus, teach us to love one another.
May we accompany the poor in their search for God,
-Jesus, teach us to love one another.
May we pray for the peace that cannot be achieved through acts of violence and war,
-Jesus, teach us to love one another.
Amen