For these will be the days of its punishment and all that was announced in the Scripture will be fulfilled. How hard will it be for pregnant
women and for mothers with babies at the breast! For a great calamity will come upon the land, and divine justice upon this people. They will be put to
death by the sword or taken as slaves to other nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled upon by the pagans until the time of the pagans is fulfilled.
Then there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of perplexed nations when they hear the roaring of the sea and its waves.
People will faint with fear at the mere thought of what is to come upon the world, for the forces of the universe will be shaken. And at this time they will see
the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now, when you see the first events, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is
drawing near.”
Reflection:
At first glance, the reading seemed to
be frightening and sinister. After all, it speaks of
chastisement. Chaos will follow for the elements
will clash with one another. Then great suffering will
reign all over. This is the style of the apocalyptic
literature. The people of that time understands
the deeper meaning of the text. But the people of
today without knowledge of the context of this form
of writing will have a great day imagining all sorts of
frightening circumstances that will happen during
the Last Day. The many Christian sects love using
this type of literature in the bible to recruit members.
They will promise them cheap salvation. But if we
will look closely at the text of this gospel passage, we
see that the last sentence is always about hope. It
is not punishment and destruction.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021