But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. (Luke 21:28 NABRE)
Jesus tells his listeners to look for signs of his return at the end of time. He tells them there will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars. He tells them that nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. He goes on to say that people will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world. These cataclysmic scenes refer back to the words of a number of prophets including Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel, and others.
In today's verse, Jesus describes how the faithful person should react to the many frightening signs of his return. We are told to stand erect and to raise our heads (practice that now to see how it feels). There is calmness, confidence, courageousness, joy, awe, and satisfied relief reflected in such an act. There is no fear in it.
Let us live every day mindful of Jesus' presence among us in Spirit and anxious for his full return to us in body. Let us live each day in a state of Advent anticipation. Let this change us, our attitudes and our behaviors.
Today, I will center my actions and attitudes on the possibility that Jesus will return today.
Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani, who made the love taught us by Christ the fundamental characteristic of his existence, pray for us.
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