Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)
Read Luke 21:25-36 on biblegateway.com
Verse 25"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. Verse 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Verse 27Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Verse 28Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Verse 29Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; Verse 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. Verse 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Verse 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Verse 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Verse 34"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, Verse 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Verse 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Devotion
Mary’s experience with God transforms her worldview. Since God could choose a “lowly” person like a peasant girl from Nazareth (now unwed and pregnant) to bear God’s son, everything looked different. God was no longer apparently captive to the powerful and professionally religious. The fortunate in the world were no longer the fat and powerful. Because of what God did for Mary, she understood that the least in the world were especially favored. What a creation-changing gift Mary gives!
Prayer
God of the lowly, you nurture the poor and hungry. Help us be your
hands and heart to the lowly of our world this season and, in them,
let us meet Christ. Amen.