Awaiting Hopefully!

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Rv 18:1-2, 21-23, 19:1-3, 9A; Lk 21:20-28

When Nelson Mandela was imprisoned at Robben Island, his grandchild was given to him to be named. He gave her a name that would symbolize the struggle of South Africans against the imposed discrimination under apartheid. He named his granddaughter Zaziwe – Hope. He recounted later saying, ‘The name had a special meaning for me; for during all my years in prison, hope never left me – and now it never would. I was convinced that this child would be part of a new generation of South Africans for whom apartheid would be a distant memory – that was my dream.’

Despite the apparent message of destruction and woe, today’s Gospel underlines the message of hope for Christians. 

Luke’s narration of the cosmic signs introduces a Christological dimension.

As such, Jesus, the victorious Son of Man, is in control of the forces of evil. He is the judge. 

Besides this Christological message, the underlying theme of hope in the text gives us joy. 

The passage highlights that in contrast to the cowardly actions of others (v. 26), the faithful disciples stand erect with heads held high to greet their faithful judge, Jesus, Son of Man. 

Hence, what will be a sign of terror for others will be a cause of joy for God’s faithful. 

The eyes of the faithful will decode the message of hope contained in the passage and eagerly await the return of the just Judge. 

Let us pray that we may be counted as God’s faithful who eagerly await Jesus’ return. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar