Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now—the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’
‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name—and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’
(Luke 21:5–19)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- The Romans completely destroyed the temple in Jerusalem in AD 70. The Gospel of Luke was written after this event, so his readers would have known about the temple's annihilation.
- Early Christian communities faced persecution both from the Jews, when they were expelled from the synagogues for their faith in Jesus as the Messiah, and from the secular authorities, when they refused to worship the emperor as a god. Luke is clearly aware of the tribulations that his community faces and seeks to alleviate their fears in this text.
Exploring the Word
This text must be read from the perspective of Luke’s community, who knew that the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and that the so-called Jewish Wars led to this act. Both Rome and the Jewish people were persecuting Christians; it must have seemed that the end was near. However, Luke recounts the words of Jesus—words designed to comfort his community and give them hope. Jesus warns his followers not to trust those who claim to know God’s plan for the end of times. Instead, they should know that God is with them no matter what happens. In the meantime, the Church must journey onwards, just as Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem and to his ultimate fate. However, God vindicated Jesus through his resurrection; he will do the same for Christian believers with the gift of eternal life. Our endurance in our faith will win our lives.
- If you knew that tomorrow would be your last day, what would you do?
- In the face of adversity, what is the source of your strength?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- Have you ever faced any ridicule or derision because of your decision to be baptised?
- Describe a time of chaos or turmoil in your life. What sustained you, or gave you strength, during this difficult time? Share your reflections with others.
- Have you ever faced a great challenge that you feared you might not be able to endure?
- This week, accept the things you cannot change and change for the better those things that you can.
- Use today’s communion antiphon this week:
To be near God is my happiness,
to place my hope in God the Lord.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Numerous sects have tried to predict the end of the world and prepare for it. However, such literalism strongly misses the point. The Church believes that the ‘last day’ will come, and it longs for God’s triumph and victory over the forces of evil, including death. The Day of the Lord, which was inaugurated at Jesus’ resurrection, will be completed with his final coming in glory. Each Eucharist that we celebrate simultaneously looks back to Jesus' death and resurrection, making it present for us again, and looks forward to the coming of God’s kingdom. As Christians, we are people who wait in joyful hope; however, while we wait, we live in the reality of the present and try to build God’s kingdom on earth.
- Discuss some of the strange sects that seek to predict the end. Why do you think people are attracted to them? Is it because they provide a simple answer with no personal responsibility?
- Explore the relevant sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that explain the Church’s understanding of the end times and judgment (CCC, §§668–682, 1038–1050).
- Emphasise the importance of building the kingdom of God on earth in the present day.
- How are we called to build this kingdom in practical ways each day?
Symbols and images
To describe the end of time, this gospel uses ‘apocalyptic’ language, which was commonly used in this period. Apocalyptic language is symbolic, and it should not be read literally. Ultimately, this text aims to provide faith and hope to people who were suffering persecution. God will protect and sustain them.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- Examine the balance within your own community; consider how it emphasises the past death and resurrection of Jesus, the present call to live in the world and help build the kingdom of God, and the future expectation of Christ’s second coming.
- You could use images of natural disasters and conflict from magazines and newspapers overlaid with a cross as a focus for prayer. Pray for all who suffer in our world to receive comfort and hope. A suitable song could be Restless Is the Heart (GA 239). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94E, which looks forward to the second coming of Jesus.