Donald R Elly, M. Div.
Jesus is not always the life of the party or fun to be around. In town for the Passover, Jesus makes note of how some were admiring the Temple. A symbol of National pride, like the Empire State Building in New York, or the Statue of Liberty, King Herod more than doubled the size of the Temple Mount as a gift for the Jewish people. It symbolized Herod’s great power. Adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, this Temple, says Jesus, will all be destroyed. “Teacher, when will this be and what will be the sign that what you say is about to happen?”
At the time Luke records these words the temple has been destroyed (by Rome). The events of chaos and turmoil are all around the followers of Jesus. They are being pursued by the religious and political authorities because the community proclaiming Jesus’ name and practicing his way are challenging the powers of the day and the way things have always been done. Before looking at the sign Jesus is depending upon I want you to think about how you deal with change? Honestly I don’t like change and often find myself anxious and out of sorts when I am faced with changing my behaviors and habits. Anne, my wife, can bear witness to my dislike of change. She can tell you how grumpy I get when my routines for handling (controlling) life are challenged by home construction (disruption). Anne, on the other hand, loves change and responding to it gives her new perspective. Jesus says something in the 13th verse of this passage that reframes all the chaos, suffering and upheaval created because of Jesus. “This will give you an opportunity to testify.” Jesus sees you, me and the community seeking to live by his words and way of life as the sign. You and I by our witness to Jesus are the Sign that God is continuing to create and transform the world. Our suffering is powerful means of bearing witness to Jesus. First, we are not depending on our strength, but that given by God in Jesus. Second, our words come as a gift of God when needed. Totally dependent and trusting God we are the sign that God’s Kingdom of love is real..
November 13 ,2016; Cycle C; 26th Sunday of Pentecost
Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 12:2; 2nd Thess. 3:6-13; *Luke 21: 5-19
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