Word to the Wise
Tuesday, November 23, 2021 - Tuesday in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
[Dan 2:31-45 and Luke 21:5-11]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 are coming 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 are not deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them." [Luke]
Today's gospel scripture continues the final days of Jesus in Jerusalem, but it is important to understand that the evangelist is telling this story in the light of the utter destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in 70 A.D.. - 35+ years after Jesus' death and resurrection. The very center and heart of Judaism was destroyed. God's "residence" in their midst was a pile of rubble, not one stone upon another. The Romans would use some of that stone to build another city on the same spot. What is left of the former temple is called "the Wailing Wall."
Jesus' warnings about misinterpreting the signs of the end of time and his second coming have been regularly ignored throughout history. All of the "signs" have occurred over and over again. Self-called "messiahs" have gathered followers to await the "imminent" return of the savior only to be disappointed that their calculations and messiahs were doomed to be mistaken from the very get-go!
Colorful apocalyptic language like that found in Ezekiel and Daniel and the Book of Revelation (and in the gospels) will always find an audience. For the Jews in 70 A.D., it seemed like the world had indeed come to an end with the destruction of the temple! But Judaism survived, thanks in large part to the dedication of the Pharisees! Humanity itself seems determined to destroy the planet earth at times. But none of these efforts will suffice to determine when the Lord will come again. We must wait with infinite patience and "stay in shape." AMEN