The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing In Thy Kingdom from One Thousand Years Of Ukrainian Sacred Music.

(Lyrics currently unavailable)

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 21:29-33

Then [Jesus] told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

How do you recognise the kingdom of God around you now? Sit with that thought for a moment. Perhaps in the smallest, seemingly most insignificant ways.

Look for the signs of God at work in the world. Consider where there have been breakthroughs in history. Where do Christians need to pray more?

‘My words will not pass away.’ How do you feel when you hear these powerful words of Jesus?

Listen to the passage again. Let the weight, the magnitude of the words of Jesus hold you fast.

Luke 21:29-33

Then [Jesus] told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

How do you hold on to the fact that we are living ‘in the tension between the times’, as one contemporary theologian puts it? Speak with God about whatever is on your heart. You might want to pray today with a newspaper or news app in your hand.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen