Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 28th November 2023

Part of my preparation for Advent will be to take part in a course for drivers who are unable to control the speed of their vehicles when driving in the countryside. I often wonder what happens to those drivers who are infuriated by the way I try to keep to the speed limit and tailgate me, on occasions for many miles. Driving in Herefordshire is not for the fainthearted, nor is driving in Hereford itself.

 

​Today’s Gospel passage from Luke (Lk 21: 5-11) carries on from yesterday’s reading about the widow’s mite. Jesus is still in the Temple; he overhears a conversation and reacts. “When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’” We know that the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army in the year 70, some 35 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. No matter how magnificent or solid a religious building is, one day it will be no more. Whereas God is eternal, the buildings in which we worship him on earth are not. It’s important to remember that. The kingdom of God is not of this world. His hearers are confused. “And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’” People are always asking Jesus for a sign. It’s as though they don’t believe his word. I wonder if we do.

 

​Jesus then goes on to speak in more apocalyptic terms of how to discern the coming of the end of the world. “‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said, ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.’” Perhaps the most essential piece of advice here is not to be deceived or taken in by people pretending to be prophets or even Jesus himself come back to earth. Humans are gullible and prone to fear. We must hold our heads up high, should we still be here when the time comes. Jesus has already saved us. When he returns in glory, it will be to establish the kingdom of God in all its fullness. God’s grace seldom comes in the way that we expect. Whatever pain we endure opens us to the future. Lord, may we be at peace with you, for you have reconciled us with yourself. Prepare us now to meet you face to face. Amen.