Gospel Lk 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."
REFLECTION
"Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away."
We are approaching the end of another liturgical year since Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. As we come close to the beginning of the Advent season, the Church puts before our eyes the words of Our Lord about the last days. It is good to reflect from time to time on the fact that we will die one day. The Church teaches us that on that day, we will have our particular judgment. Life on this earth is the time in which we can either accept or reject the divine grace manifested Jesus Christ. At the particular judgment, each person will receive the eternal retribution for that acceptance or rejection. Therefore, we ought to always pray and ask for salvation and the divine grace.
But it is also good to reflect on death with hope. In this life, we will never be in perfect peace. But for those who love God, death is the means by which they reach God and the perfect happiness of heaven. The promise of Our Lord is: “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). These are the words of Jesus Christ: heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will not pass away.
