Daily Thought For November 27, 2020
Know That The Kingdom Of God Is Near
Lectio
Luke 21:29–33
Meditatio
“… know that the Kingdom of God is near.…”
This passage has always been a bit difficult for me to grasp, perhaps because of its cryptic language. It follows several descriptions of the end of the world and the destruction of Jerusalem. The scenes painted in the preceding passage are horrific. It ends with signs to help readers know when they can expect the prophecy to be fulfilled, along with a word of encouragement. Those who would have heard this language had probably also heard the stories passed down for several generations about the destruction of Jerusalem, which had occurred 600 years previously. If I had been one of the persons hearing this, I would have been terrified.
Yet, the metaphor Jesus uses in today’s Gospel is beautiful and hopeful. He could have used a different metaphor: “Consider the cedar of Lebanon and all the other trees. When their limbs begin to bow under the wind, know that a hurricane is now near.” Under the circumstances, would not this metaphor be a bit more apropos? But no, not in God’s mind. The metaphor God offers for our consideration is about a fig tree bursting open with new life in the springtime, which shows that summer is near.
Jesus is saying that we live in a world of extreme uncertainty. We see many signs around us reminding us of the death and destruction that could touch us at any moment. This reality, however, is not the only reality in which we are submerged. We are also submerged in the reality called the kingdom of God.
No matter what we experience now or may experience in the future, the kingdom of God is close. Its reality must capture our imaginations so we do not let terror overwhelm us, but live in the hope of knowing that the kingdom of God is near.
Oratio
Jesus, I can relate to the people who heard you speak these words. When I read about things like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, mass shootings, it’s hard to focus on the positive. Thank you for reminding me that a more powerful reality operates even in the midst of death and destruction. Even more, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your kingdom so I have something to lean on should I, or anyone I love, ever experience one of these disasters. Help me to see signs of your kingdom everywhere. Amen.
Contemplatio
Lord, show me the signs of your kingdom in my life.
Daughters of St. Paul. (2011). Ordinary Grace Weeks 18–34: Daily Gospel Reflections. (M. G. Dateno & M. L. Trouvé, Eds.) (pp. 308–309). Boston, MA: Pauline Books & Media.