Promises of Christ

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Friday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Luke 21:29-33

Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.  When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

Opening Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for this time of prayer. Increase my faith. Fill me with your love and peace so that this may be a fruitful time together.

 

Encountering Christ:

 

  1. Signs of Life: Jesus used the example of trees to show us how we should be attentive to the signs around us. Buds on trees in the spring are a sign of life revealing that summer is coming. Signs of spring can fill us with excitement, a sense of newness, and hope. It is no coincidence that Jesus gave us this image as a metaphor for the spiritual life. He wants to fill us with hope for the transformation of our souls as he prepares us for eternal life with him.

 

  1. Thy Kingdom Come! Yesterday’s Gospel (Luke 21:20-28) came with a dire warning about distress to come that may cause some to die of fright. Today we are reminded again that all these signs mean the kingdom of God is at hand. Where is the kingdom of God? Is it not wherever the will of God is being fulfilled? The good that we do, the love that we share, the prayers that we say—all of these actions build up the kingdom of God in our midst. Every time we say “Thy Kingdom Come,” we are expressing our hope and desire that God’s will be fulfilled in our world. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” 

 

  1. Promises of Christ: God is always faithful. He always fulfills his promises. Jesus told us this again, in today’s Gospel: “Heaven and earth shall pass, but His word shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33). How well do we know the word—the promises Jesus makes in the Bible? Frequent Scripture reading and verse memorization will help us to keep the promises Jesus made in the forefront of our mind, so that we can remain calm and trusting in times of distress. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

 

 

Conversing with Christ: Lord, you’ve shown me how to keep my heart set on the good news you shared. Help me to know the Scriptures well, so that I can recall your words and believe in your promises. Fill me with your joy today and every day, so that I can be a messenger of your joy to others.

 

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pray a very reverent Our Father, expressing my desire to bring your kingdom to those around me.

 

For Further Reflection: Read or listen to “Memorize the Reasons for Your Faith”.

 

Tima Borges lives out her vocation as a wife and mother of four in Ontario, Canada. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, writing, and working in apostolate. More of her writing can be found on her personal blog at https://timaborges.wordpress.com.

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