November 17, 2019 Proper 28 Year C
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus 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.
"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls." Luke 21:5-19
I come from a long line of people who are not very fast but who go the distance. There are several generations of long distance swimmers among us. I have always loved to ride a bicycle, and loved to take long rides by the ocean. I am also a descendant of those who walked the Trial of Tears. Removed forcibly from our homelands, we endured government programs made to destroy us, only to rise up again, stronger than ever.
Jesus was preparing the disciples for the severe challenges ahead of them. The world would grow ugly and violent, and they would suffer greatly. These words are hard to hear. Yet, he also promised that he would protect them. Their enduring would find them safe harbor and eternal home. We are reminded that life may, at any moment, turn ugly and dangerous. We are invited to remember to hang on, to endure, for God promises us ever more blessings.
Today, I ask God to give me the strength to endure in the face of great challenges. May we be companions to those who are suffering now, holding them up and enduring with them, trusting that there are more blessings to come.
I come from a long line of people who are not very fast but who go the distance. There are several generations of long distance swimmers among us. I have always loved to ride a bicycle, and loved to take long rides by the ocean. I am also a descendant of those who walked the Trial of Tears. Removed forcibly from our homelands, we endured government programs made to destroy us, only to rise up again, stronger than ever.
Jesus was preparing the disciples for the severe challenges ahead of them. The world would grow ugly and violent, and they would suffer greatly. These words are hard to hear. Yet, he also promised that he would protect them. Their enduring would find them safe harbor and eternal home. We are reminded that life may, at any moment, turn ugly and dangerous. We are invited to remember to hang on, to endure, for God promises us ever more blessings.
Today, I ask God to give me the strength to endure in the face of great challenges. May we be companions to those who are suffering now, holding them up and enduring with them, trusting that there are more blessings to come.
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