Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Luke 21:5-11

While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, "All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."

Then they asked him,
"Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
He answered,
"See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,' and 'The time has come.'
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Then he said to them,
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky."

Reflection

One of the roles of a prophet is not only to speak the truth, but to also predict when certain things are going to happen.

But Jesus didn't work in that direction very much. He was always wanting people to recognize all kinds of things are going to happen. Some will be very much symbolic, some will be just happenings that are normal to the way the world works. He never wants us to figure out exactly when the end is. He just wants us to live each day at a time, loving, forgiving, healing those around us.

That's the focus of his prophetic work.

Closing Prayer

Father, we have a questioning mind and certainly an understanding heart. So help us to get past all those needs of us figuring out what's next or how everything is going to work or how it should be. Give us that docile understanding heart that accepts all things, grows through all things, learns from all things, and then we become the kingdom that God has us come to establish. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.