Worldly Hope

Today’s Gospel Text:  "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfil all that is written. 23 Alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And 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, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:20-28

Reflection: In 72 AD, the Roman occupiers of Palestine had one last go at the Jews for their rebellion and uprising, that they destroyed Jerusalem completely, leaving not a stone upon a stone and taking many into captivity.

Many Biblical scholars base their dating of the gospels on the basis of the fulfillment of the prophecies of Jesus concerning Jerusalem.

Their logic behind this kind of dating is that the event must have taken place before the writing and hence their conclusions about the dating of the gospels.

We leave such speculative derivation to the scholars, who base themselves on pure human reasoning’s and thus reduce the gospels to pure human works.

What then will they say of prophecies which are yet to be fulfilled prophecies of the end times and the call for conversion?

We are in a world which constantly fills us with a hope of a better future. We are constantly prodded on to overthrow the oppressors, to seek after justice, to fight corruption.

New elections in every country brings in a lot of hope with a new leadership or the same leadership with a spark of new ideas and hopes.

There are the many exhortations of building a better world through less corruption, more justice, respect for religious fervor with emphasis on universalism, saving the earth for a better future, etc.

In the heart of every human being is constantly sown the hope of achievements that comes through strivings.

In the midst of these hopes based on the human striving and achievements, Jesus reminds us of a bleak turmoil awaiting the dwellers of the earth, of which the many signs we see in our times. 

The many scientific answers based on cogent arguments blinds us to see the hand of God in every situation. 

Unfortunately, the followers of the Christ proclaim the same language of hope like the false prophets of yore. 

Prayer: Lord, as I work as your instrument in this passing world, help in not to put my trust in a worldly hope which is passing.

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