Jesus has talked about the destruction of the temple and of the city of Jerusalem.

He has discussed persecution, terrible signs, and signs of his own coming.

Just as new leaves on a deciduous tree are a sign that summer is near,

so when you see these last signs taking place (21:25-28), you know that the kingdom of God is at hand.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊  

Daniel 7:2-14

Daniel said,

"I saw the following in my vision: the four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea, and four great beasts, each one different from the other, came out of the sea.

The first was like a lion with eagle's wings. As I looked at it, its wings were torn off. It was lifted up from the ground, stood up on its feet like a man, and was given a human heart. The second was a beast like a bear, it was raised up on one side and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told: Go and devour much flesh. I went on looking and saw another beast like a leopard with four wings on its back; it had four heads and dominion was given to it.

 

I continued seeing my visions of the night and saw a terrible fourth beast. It was fearful and extraordinarily strong; it had great iron teeth; it ate, tore into pieces, and crushed underfoot whatever remained. It was different from the previous beasts and had ten horns. I was looking at the horns, when another small horn sprang among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots to make way for the new. It had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that uttered insolent words. 

 

I looked and saw the following: Some thrones were set in place and One of Great Age took his seat. His robe was white, as snow, his hair, white as washed wool. His throne was flames of fire with wheels of blazing fire. A river of fire sprang forth and flowed before him. Thousands upon thousands served him and a countless multitude stood before him. 

 

Those in the tribunal took their seats and opened the book. But as I remembered the haughty words of the horn with human eyes and mouth, which I had seen before, this animal was killed before my eyes; and its body destroyed and cast into the fire. Dominion was taken from the other animals, though they were allowed to stay alive for a time, until the fixed time.

 

I continued watching the nocturnal vision: One like a son of man came on the clouds of heaven. He faced the One of Great Age and was brought into his presence.

Dominion, honor and kingship were given him, and all the peoples and nations of every language served him. His dominion is eternal and shall never pass away; his kingdom will never be destroyed.

 

Dn 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 Give glory and eternal praise to him!

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊    

Luke 21:29-33

And Jesus added this comparison, "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as their buds sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all this has happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"Jesus' Word and kingdom will not pass away." 

When I was young, my grandparents and even my parents would complain that nothing was built to last anymore. In the years since my childhood, things have gotten no better. Clothing falls apart easily. Electronics have a short life. Even cars and major appliances don't seem to last long. Our landfills and oceans are a testament to how much we discard and how disposable so many things are.

 

But the readings today speak not just of the last things, but of lasting things. Jesus' Word and kingdom will not pass away. They are eternal. God's reign will never end. Even more, God wants us to share his eternal kingdom. That is the goal for which we strive. It is the end to which a life of holiness draws us. The more we set our minds and hearts not on the disposable things of this world, but on the things that never pass away – faith, hope, and love – the more we will be ready for our eternal home.