Today’s Gospel:  Luke 21:5-11

REFLECTION
We hear in today's Gospel that the Jews asked Jesus for a sign that would indicate when the end would occur.  Jesus foretold many signs of God's action and judgment; there will be plenty of signs pointing to God's ultimate judgment -- wars, famines, diseases, earthquakes, etc., but
he admonished them not to seek signs but rather to seek God's kingdom.

Jesus tells his followers not to be too ready to believe what they hear people saying. Nor are they to be too alarmed when they hear of wars and social upheavals.  At every pivotal time in the history of our planet, there are people who claim to see the end in sight.  So far they have all been wrong.

God intends our anticipation of his final judgment to be a powerful deterrent to wrongdoing.  God sends many "signs" today pointing not only to his coming judgment, but also to his saving action and mercy to all who heed his call and his warning.

The reward for the righteous and the penalty for the unrighteous are not always experienced in this life; but they are sure to come in the day of judgment. There will be persecution, suffering, and difficulties in this age until the Lord comes again.

We may be anxious about the signs of our own time of departure from this world. But again it does not help to become fearful and anxious but rather to live each day to the full and to make it productive for ourselves and others.

- MA

Today’s Reading:  Revelation 14:14-19

PRAYER
Father Almighty,  your grace and mercy abounds even in the midst of turmoil and destruction.  Help me to be faithful to your word. Give me confidence to be part in Your plan in this stress-filled world.  May nothing deter me from seeking you and the coming of your kingdom with hope and joy.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.