Sunday 2nd December Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.
Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. ‘Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man”
GUIDELINES TO HELP US TO MEDITATE ON THE PASSAGE SO AS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE AND ACTIVITY IN OUR LIVES AND WORLD TODAY.
(Prepared by Volunteers from the Lectio Centre Project)
‘bewildered by the clamour of the ocean’…
Have you ever experienced being hit by an unexpected wave of sorrow, bereavement, loss or illness? Were you bewildered by the uncertainty and trauma, shaken by the whole experience? Who came to help you? Who stood with you and gave you the strength and confidence to face the world again?
Take a while to reflect and give thanks for people who were with you in your hour of need. In them you met “the Son of Man coming in all his power and glory”. Helping you “to stand erect and hold your head high …”
Lord, we are always grateful for the special people you send us – the family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and the counsellors who come in many guises who help heal and restore us.
‘Stay awake, praying at all times.’
Jesus reminds us that if we get too caught with the ‘cares of this world’ materialism, possessions, success, reputation or status that we lose the connection with our spiritual needs and the things which really matter.
Lord forgive us for the times when we fall into that empty trap of materialism.
Help us, through prayer, to build a deeper, more authentic connection with you. Keep us grounded in your love and help us to share the joy of that love with others.