Signs from Heaven

34th Week in Ordinary Time - Tuesday (27 November 2018)

Revelation 14:14-19. Psalm 96:10-13. Luke 21:5-11.

“And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.”

Today's gospel passage is another example of apocalyptic literature, but connected to some historical events. Chapter 21 of Lucan gospel speaks of three destructions: Destruction of the Temple, destruction of Jerusalem, and also the destruction of the world. But, Luke warns us, disciples should not confuse the destruction of the Temple with Jesus' return as Son of Man. It is further interesting to remind ourselves that the gospel of Luke was written around 85 CE, i.e., 15 years after the destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem (70 CE). Perhaps Jesus' prediction of the destruction of the Temple is written retrospectively from a knowledge of what happened in 70 CE.

This complex passage given for our reading today has not merely a scholarly interest, but as God's word has a deep message for us the followers of Christ. Most of the happenings that we read in this passage are not special events that would happen just once. All these do happen almost every day. Earthquakes, plagues, famines, natural disasters, wars, revolutions, and conflicts between nations are events that we encounter very often. You need only to just put on your television news to have a glimpse of what we have been listing. Jesus our Lord, therefore, would recommend vigilance and faithfulness at all times. The end of history or the end of the world is not so much a sensational or dramatic event that we need to wait for. But it is that which is happening right now at your door step.

God comes to us not only in the joyful events that we encounter, but also and primarily in those events that disturb and shake us to the core. He reveals himself in our sufferings and persecutions. All these things have a meaning in our Christian lives. These are all “signs from heaven” (another word for “miracle” could be “sign”). Who said we need only positive signs from heaven to strengthen our faith? “If we take happiness from God's hand, must we not take sorrow too?” (Job 2:10). And today Jesus assures of his presence even amidst our hard times, “Do not be frightened.”

There are only two things that can transform us deeply: great love and great suffering. These open us to our deepest, truest nature. They keep us inside the mystery of life, instead of having a competition-mode in our lives. Suffering is the only thing strong enough to break down our control systems, explanatory mechanisms, logical paradigms, desire to be in charge, and our carefully maintained sense of control and power.

Etty Hillesum (1914-1943) was not even 30 years old when she was deported and killed in Auschwitz concentration camp. She found the deepest meaning of life amidst suffering. She created little spaces of freedom for herself and others. She writes, “I somehow want to suffer with you, God. All this suffering is somehow your suffering, and I want to participate with you in it.”

When we encounter suffering, we find our capacity growing if we stay connected to Reality—if we stay connected to God. When we participate in suffering, we participate in God's Mystery itself.