Christ is the sign

Gospel

Luke 21:20-28

There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate. Then those in Judaea must escape to the mountains, those inside the city must leave it, and those in country districts must not take refuge in it. For this is the time of vengeance when all that scripture says must be fulfilled. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come!

‘For great misery will descend on the land and wrath on this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.

‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’

Reflection:

This passage weaves together Jesus's prophecy about Jerusalem's destruction with an eschatological vision of cosmic upheaval and ultimate redemption. Jesus calls his followers to read the signs of the times—not with panic, but with spiritual vigilance. The passage moves from specific historical warning (the siege of Jerusalem) to universal cosmic imagery (signs in sun, moon, and stars) to the promise of Christ's return.

What's striking is Jesus's call to hope amid chaos. Even as he describes calamity, his message concludes not in despair but in liberation. He tells his disciples to "stand erect, hold your heads high"—to maintain dignity and faith even when the world seems to be collapsing. The trials are real, but they are not final. They are birth pangs of something new.

Question for Reflection:

What signs do you see in your own time and circumstances that call you to deeper faith? How might Jesus's instruction to "stand erect" challenge you to respond to life's difficulties with hope rather than fear?

A Short Prayer:

Lord, in times of uncertainty and upheaval, help me to keep my eyes fixed on you. Grant me the courage to stand firm in faith, not paralyzed by what I cannot control. Remind me that no earthly power ultimately determines my destiny—you do. Give me eyes to see your signs of redemption even in the midst of suffering, and a heart that trusts in your promise of liberation. May I live with hope, dignity, and peace. Amen.

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