Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Luke 21:5-11
I find passages about the end times very disruptive to my daily life. They create a sense of dread, an unease if you will, because the truth of the matter is that I'm not sure I really want to suffer all that is headed our way. War? Earthquakes and famine? Plagues? No thanks. I like my neat and tidy life just as it is. But today I am reminded of two things as I read Luke's Gospel.
First, these things - war, plague, famine, nation rising against nation, false prophets making false prophecy - are already occurring everyday around the world. They have been for as long as there has been recorded history and we are still living through them today. Do they frighten me? Yes. But then there is Jesus, and this call to action, "Do not be terrified."
If I truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that what took place in Calvary on that brutal piece of wood really happened, then my belief in what Jesus said while He was alive must sustain me. The world with all its human messiness – war, famine, plagues – only creates false prophets who peddle fear, scaring us into believing that the end of our life on earth is the end. But Jesus, who goes before us always, knows the truth. And He always gives us the rest of the story.
This is our choice then as we experience all the signs foretold here: fear, or the rest of the story.
Ponder:
What worldly fear is God calling you to surrender today?
Pray:
Good and gracious God, you go before me always. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You.
Copyright 2021 Laura K. Roland
About the Author
Laura K. Roland
Laura K. Roland is a cradle Catholic. She and her husband of 31+ years have 3 children and have recently added a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law to their ever-growing family. A former Catholic educator, she co-founded the women’s ministry Encounter Grace in 2018 and is a speaker, writer, mentor, and host of the new podcast, Short Story Longer.
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