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
Certain times in our lives and in history test the human spirit. Often, these times are seen by some as the answer to all the problems, while others feel like the end is near. As we watch innocent people rounded up like cattle and being treated like stray dogs, our hearts and spirits sink. Some leaders might see this as ridding our land of those who would bring our destruction. Jesus knows the human spirit and the ways humans try to destroy the ones they fear. And he promises to give us words when needed and he will provide us the protection we will need. We are called to endure by speaking up when given the chance and acting always with compassion and forgiveness. We live in difficult times as our ancestors did. Let us be brave and faithful as they were to the end.
Loving Creator, you made us all in your image
giving us free will and the wisdom to do right
and the opportunity to bless the world with love.
Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.
We stumble into selfish, protective behaviors
thinking we are doing what is right and proper
when in fact we are forgetting to trust you always.
Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.
We limp along, trying to hide from the world
fractured and hurting, we ignore our neighbors
and fall into the deep shame we carry around.
Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.
You have promised to give us strength and words
when the world tries to destroy our very lives.
Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.
Your love will protect us and see us through each day
as we lean into your love and pray without ceasing.
Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end.
Make us strong so we might endure the onslaught
and make us see those who need your love today.
Dear Lord Jesus, make us strong in your love so we might endure to the end. Amen.
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