Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times

Friday of 34rd week of Ordinary Time – Year A (11/25/2011)

Reflection on: Daniel 7: 2-14; 3:75-81; Luke 21:29-33

By Mege Joshua

(KUTAFUTA YAKINI KATIKA ZAMA ZA MASHAKA)

Jesus talked a lot to his disciples about the signs of the times, particularly, the sings of the end times. Today, he acknowledges human ability to tell the changing of the seasons by the signs observed in nature (the parable of the fig tree). In like manner he urges humanity to read the signs manifest in the day-to-day experiences as pointing to the establishment of God’s kingdom. For how can we interpret the appearance of the sky; fair weather when the sky is red and a stormy day when the sky is red and threatening yet remain ignorant of the signs of the times [Matthew 16:1-3].

Interestingly the phrase “the signs of the times” appears only in one place in the NT

The fundamental question is: ...when will this happen?  And what signs will there be when all these things are about to happen? [Lk 21:7] Jesus prophesied two events we must prepare ourselves for; i.e., tribulation and his second coming. 

In the first reading Daniel [7:2-14] envisions a great churning sea, symbolic of the chaotic state (turmoil) of the nations. Death threats, idol worship, temperamental kings, backbiting officials, puzzling dreams, difficult problems etc. mark the uncertain times in which Daniel lived in Babylonian exile. Yet all came to pass at the victorious establishment of the heavenly kingdom. The four beasts, each one successively rises to power and then falls.

Like Daniel, we are living in times of uncertainty; economically, politically, socially, morally. Nevertheless all these will come to pass; Earthly rule and Evil (in and around us) will be wiped and completely destroyed. Christ’s face will shine and the faithful shall share his victory

The Second Vatican Council document [GS no. 4]) urges us to read “the signs of the times” in the way we live out our faith and in the way we proclaim God’s kingdom in our lives. The “budding” of God’s kingdom begins first in the hearts of those who are receptive to God’s word. Those who trust in God’s word will bear the fruits of his kingdom; righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

Tomorrow we say goodbye to the current liturgical year and with Advent begin a new liturgical year on Sunday.  May the Holy Spirit lead and guide us to seek first the kingdom in all that we do. We must rejoice and hope in God’s word (Jesus Christ; who abides forever) never forgetting His promises nor straying from His ways. Only then will we live out the faith with the signs of the times that God is communicating to us.