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Good morning friends,
Today's reading concludes this section of Jesus' teaching on the coming of the kingdom. Jesus uses the analogy of knowing that summer is coming by seeing the new leaves on the trees. He says when we see the turmoil and destruction he predicts we know God's kingdom is coming in power. There are two problems here: the first is that wars and insurrection are always going on, as are earthquakes and floods. That has led many people across the generations to think they are living in the end times, but the end hasn't come. The second problem is that Jesus says all these things will happen within a generation of his proclamation, but we're still here 2000 years later.

At the same time in other parts of the Gospels Jesus says he doesn't know exactly when the end will come, only the Father knows that. The time between Jesus' ministry and the end of the world is an opportunity for the world to repent and hear the good news of God's love. As I said on Sunday, that time is an opportunity for us to testify to the world that God loves us and wants a relationship with us. We don't know when the end will come but we are called to be prepared for it any time. We are called to live in such a way that if the kingdom comes or we die tomorrow we won't regret how we spent the time we've been given.

Blessings as you use the gift of the new day,
Sam

Luke 21:29-38

29Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

34“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be 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.” 37Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. 38And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.