Scripture Scribbles: November 13, 2022

the Gospel

Luke 21:5-19

While some people were speaking about

how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,

Jesus said, "All that you see here--

the days will come when there will not be left

a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."

Then they asked him,

"Teacher, when will this happen?

And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" 

He answered,

"See that you not be deceived,

for many will come in my name, saying,

'I am he,' and 'The time has come.'

Do not follow them! 

When you hear of wars and insurrections,

do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,

but it will not immediately be the end." 

Then he said to them,

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 

There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues

from place to place;

and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky."

“Before all this happens, however,

they will seize and persecute you,

they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,

and they will have you led before kings and governors

because of my name. 

It will lead to your giving testimony. 

Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,

for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking

that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. 

You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,

and they will put some of you to death. 

You will be hated by all because of my name,

but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.

By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

the devotion

This, my friends, is what I have heard called Apocalyptic style writing. I also know the Gospels are the “Good News” So let's try to hear the passage about the end of the world, which naturally we may think “doom and gloom” and find the Hope God wants us to hear

I’d like to start with the last line first, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”  Who has secured their lives? I think of the Saints that have gone before us. The ones that have so beautifully shown us the way. The ones that have persevered in their faith. The ones that because of their perseverance have led others to the Faith.  Over the years since my reconversion I have read many Saint stories. I’ve had the privilege to be a Catechist for confirmation students and in their studies we have read some amazing  stories about the Saints.  I think of some of the favorites my own kids have picked for their patron Saints. Some that have been so courageous at the moment of their death they are smiling…..It’s always made me wonder about myself.  Would I be that courageous, would I deny my faith or would I be bold and stand my ground even in the face of death?

There is a quote that I read from Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity when crowds were gathered in the amphitheater to watch their execution and they walked in singing. “You judge us…But God judges you.”  I think this is what we need to remember here on earth.  We may be judged by others, maybe even persecuted, maybe hated.  Whose judgment matters?  Are we not performing for an audience of one? If we are living our faith, loving others, seeking the true, the good, and the beautiful. Caring for the needy, loving those God has put in our lives.  Treating our neighbors how we want to be treated, then does it matter who else is judging us?  If we persevere until the end, until we finish the race, can we be like some of those Saints before us that lead others to Christ?  

I love the line, “you will give testimony.”  Have you ever heard another person's testimony about their encounter with God?  How about those testimonies that give you head-to-toe chills? What's my testimony? What's yours?  Sounds intimidating to give a testimony, but it says in this reading “Make up your mind NOT to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.” Beautiful! Wisdom. I love that word (I pray for it all the time!). I think I just need to sit with that and trust those words, Trust God's plan…. Trust the author for all that is good, Trust that we are all called to be Saints, and be grateful for every new day when I can get up and try again.

Today’s devotion was written by Beth Brennan