Gospel Reading: Lk 21:29-33
Jesus taught his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY
Jesus declares this to his disciples, taking the fig tree and other trees as his starting point. As they know that the buds in these trees indicate the coming of summer, so the disciples must realize that when all those fearful events, signs on earth and in heaven, take place, God’s Kingdom is near. Here Jesus teaches the disciples that everything will come to an end. The seasons, the buds, the generation of humans, the heavens, and the earth – all of them will pass away, but his words will not. Jesus’ words are permanent, not seasonal. We cannot do away with them.
They are here to stay to be our light and guide. They cannot be superseded by other words. Jesus’ teachings are universal and timeless. They do not belong to any period in history. They do not become passé with the passage of time. It is not Christian to relativize the Word of God. We cannot say Jesus’ words were applicable only to his time.
We cannot set aside the Word of God and espouse other spiritual teachings foreign to Christ and his Church. True followers of Christ should consider God’s Word relevant and binding forever, even if everything else has disappeared.
Do you treasure the Word of God?
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SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.