Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36

Advent is a season of preparation and longing for the coming of Christ. Many of the readings during the Advent season will be taken from passages of the scripture that point toward the birth of Jesus. As we hear these reading we are asked to take on the longing for the coming of the Christ that is at the hart of these readings. However, our longing is not for the birth of Jesus but for the second coming of Christ when the world order when the fullness of God’s presence will be established and justice and peace will permeate every corner of creation.

Scripture Scholars generally agree that Luke was able to draw upon Mark’s gospel in the writing of his gospel. The 21st chapter of Luke parallel’s Mark’s 13th Chapter. However, while Mark wrote before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, Luke is writing about 15 years after the Romans raised it. Luke is trying to separate what has already happened from what is yet to come. The fall of the temple was emotionally disheartening for the Jews. So Luke points to the even greater event to come, which will be signaled by cosmic disturbances. These signs will signal the coming of Christ as Judge of the World.

The modern reader might assume from this text parallels our present situation. However, Luke’s Christian community is a small splinter group of Jews. Also most people of the day lived from day to day. Having sufficient resources to make it through to the next day was a major concern the majority of people. Most did not have the wealth it would take to be preoccupied with getting drunk. Luke’s admonition is directed toward a very small group of people who seem to ignore the plight of those around them or take advantage of the average person in order to maintain their status.

1. Have you faced situations that you dreaded deeply but have been a source of great blessings for you or others?
2. When you look at the world situation were do you see signs of our need for God’s presence? When you think of these situations what is your emotional response?
3. Luke tells the community of Christians that they should stand erect and raise their heads at the coming of Jesus. Do you need to hear this? Why?
4. How do you respond to this Gospel text?
5. This reading is given to us at the beginning of Advent. Does this text suggest an attitude or an approach you might adopt for this Advent Season?

(Comments to Paul at frpaul@franoutreach.org.)

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