Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
I recently heard a speech delivered by Dr. Yohuru Williams, Professor of History and
Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas.
He was speaking to an auditorium filled with University of Scranton freshman
students. As an alumnus of the University, Dr. Williams was explaining to these
young men and women that with a Jesuit education comes much responsibility. In fact,
he said, if all they wanted was a degree, they should have chosen an institution
that did not impart a directive to serve others. And if they were waiting to earn
that degree to begin their service - to begin working to make a difference in the
world - they were too late.
Hopefully, the students were inspired to find ways to begin to serve God and the
people of God in meaningful ways. In the Gospel of Luke 21:25-28 Jesus responds to
curiosity about the end times. There will be signs that the end times are near.
Advent is a season of anticipation, of preparation for the coming of Christ. The
return of Jesus is a powerful motivation to living as followers of Christ, but what
do we do in the meantime, while we wait for redemption?
Like the students in that auditorium, we need to start living Christ-centered lives
of service now. Look for your own signs that the world and your neighbors are in
trouble and find a way to help. Any other time than now is too late.
Tabbi Miller-Scandle
Tabbi Miller-Scandle
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