Luke 21:5-11
5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
-Luke 21:5-11
Reflection
SEE THAT YOU MAY NOT BE DECIEVED.
In the Gospel, Jesus begins his eschatological discourse, the final address of his ministry. However, Jesus is concerned not so much about describimg apocalyptic signs as about preparing his audience, particularly his disciples, for the events that are to come. The preparation is more in holding on to their faith in times of persecution and temptation. Jesus warns them against false messiahs who announce that the end-time is at hand. The disciples must be discerning and not to allow themselves to be misled by false teachers.
Many preachers and pastor nowadays claim to have the truth, proclaiming that the end is near. Our preaching must emphasize more the present preparation for the Lord's coming than the time when he is coming. What really matters is not the end-time, but how prepared we are to face our God when God comes and to render an account of our life.
