Luke 21:5-19 Reflection ~
The temple in Jerusalem destroyed in 70 AD was one of a continuing series of signs that heaven will eventually be fully here. Despite the daily signs that our world is seemingly falling apart physically and morally, we must not be afraid. Enduring hardships, perhaps beyond our understanding, is part of experiencing the fullness of Jesus. When we trust, embrace, and reflect Jesus’s light, we have peace, love, and hope that attracts others to the blessings of Trinity. These blessings are the love we will endlessly consume in heaven.
Reconstruction of Jerusalem and the Temple of Herod by James Tissot (full-resolution painting) and more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 21:5-19 Scripture*
The Destruction of the Temple Foretold
5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”
Signs and Persecutions
7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them.
9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 21:5-19 Reflection – Enduring Hardships.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of 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 get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 21 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.