Redemption Process – Luke 21:20-28 Reflection
We should remember that Jesus spoke in a mix of reality and metaphor within His historical period. One truth often forgotten is that Jerusalem has been in flux long before and since Christ was on the Cross. In our world filled with confusion, what matters is that we must remain strong. Doing so allows Christ to enter our hearts for the unveiling of His full second coming. Our ongoing redemption process allows the “cloud” of the unknown” to become partially visible to the prayerful. The power and glory of Christ within is a shared experience so that we can live without fear and not be shaken like others who do not understand.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 21:20-28 – Scripture*
The Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold
20 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.21 Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
The Coming of the Son of Man
25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 21:20-28 Reflection – Our Ongoing Redemption Process
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate your expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen.
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Luke 21.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Our Ongoing Redemption Process
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.