This Sunday’s Gospel meets us right where many of us are living: in a world that seems fragile, uncertain, frightening and often overwhelming. Jesus is strolling through the majestic Temple complex in Jerusalem – the center of Jewish religion, culture, history, and pride – and he tells those around him, “The day is coming when all of this will be torn down – not one stone will be left upon another.” Then he warns of wars, famines, and plagues, and that his followers will be hated and persecuted because of their faith in him. All of this will happen before the end of time, “but the end will not follow immediately” (Luke 21:5-19).
By the time Luke’s Gospel is written, the Temple has been destroyed, and people are experiencing the very rejection, persecution and even execution Jesus predicted. Now, almost 2,000 years later, we see the events Jesus described have continued to exist around the world. They are not “signs” of the end of time – he was clear about that. They are simply times through which we must live before the end is here, whenever God chooses that to be.
We live in this “in between” time. Behind us is the promise of God’s presence and eternal life given to us through Jesus’ Resurrection. Ahead of us is a future only God knows. There are still wars, famines, and plagues. Many of the institutions we’ve held up as sacred or trustworthy have become less reliable or have faded in importance – for better or for worse. Human suffering and injustice are rampant, and false prophets appear from time to time claiming to have all the answers.
How are we to faithfully live in this “in between” time? It’s easy to become immersed in the messiness and chaos and feel angry, overwhelmed, and defeated, and decide that our efforts don’t make any difference.
Jesus, however, gives us another way. “This will give you an opportunity to testify,” he says (Luke 21:13). Testimony isn’t limited to moments of joy or obvious blessings. We also testify when we recognize and share those subtle moments of God giving comfort, courage, strength, wisdom, and peace in our everyday lives. We testify to the love and grace of God with our attitudes and actions: expressing gratitude, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, visiting the lonely, offering welcome and compassion, forgiving our enemies, standing with those who are bullied or marginalized, speaking the truth, worshiping together, and supporting efforts for justice and peace.
Our greatest witness is to live in such a way that all our words and actions are consistent with our Baptismal Covenant and with Jesus’ commandment that we love one another. That’s not just being a good neighbor, and it’s not politics. It’s the heart of the Gospel.
As one author said, “When you are putting your faith in God and being not afraid to testify to his good purpose, then you are serving as a light to lift the darkness that lies around us all, and your life will be saved in that light.”
Trinity Episcopal Church welcomes you each Sunday at 10 a.m., where you will find a warm congregation, uplifting liturgy, and the good news of God’s love shared in word and sacrament. All are welcome; come be part of a community that stands together in faith and love.
