Today’s Scripture Readings

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he 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 defence 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.

Today’s gospel passage is set in the Temple grounds in Jerusalem and is primarily about Jesus’ foretelling of the destruction of that Temple. Yet, as with all scriptures, it also speaks an important message to us as we read it today. What Jesus goes on to describe: ‘wars and insurrections…. nation will rise against nation…. great earthquakes…. famines and plagues,” is just as applicable in our contemporary world as it was in Jesus’ time. Many periods in the church’s history presented challenges to Christians, whether it was (and still is) blatant persecution and death or more subtle forms of religious repression. In such times, it is vital to cling to the hope that comes from trust in God.

Personally, I draw strength from the words that start my prayer time each day: ‘My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth, in him alone will I trust.’ These words of faith and hope give me palpable support and comfort especially when I am struggling with difficult times in my life – physical or mental health issues or a fractured relationship with an estranged family member.

Julian of Norwich said it so eloquently but simply: ‘All will be well, and all manner of things will be well.’ I have a deep-seated belief, even in times of struggle, that these words are profoundly true, even though at times we need the eyes and hearts of faith to believe that they are true. God IS in charge and God wants the best for everyone and invites us all to go deeper and deeper each day into his perfect and infinite love – which is the sole purpose for our existence and our destiny.