The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing, Encore un peu de temps: “In a little while I will make heaven and earth tremble. Then the One desired by all nations will appear. I will fill this temple with glory and to this place I will bring peace.”

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Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 21:5-11

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, [Jesus] said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’

They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.

‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.'

Consider today the huge symbolism of the temple of God throughout the Scriptures. Recall the significance of the temple of the Old Testament. A place where the presence of God was to be deeply sensed. God’s dwelling place. Recall the holy place, where only the high priest could go to meet with God.

Imagine the temple’s destruction. Imagine the breakdown of connection with God. Sense the darkness, the emptiness...

Recall the story of salvation. That place where God connected with the whole of humankind, through Jesus. Consider how God connects with us today.

What do you want to give thanks for? What emotions might be stirred in you? Listen to the passage again...

Luke 21:5-11

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, [Jesus] said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’

They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.

‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

How might you meet God right where you are today... God all around?

You might want to spend some time simply sitting in a church building. Look at all the symbols that represent God reconnecting with us. Share your thoughts, share your feelings with God. Might you say that God has worked hard to get us back in touch with Him?

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