DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.  Truly I tell 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. – Matthew 24:32-35

In this passage that ties together the future destruction of Jerusalem some forty years later with His apocalyptic discourse to encourage for the people to endure even though the end seemed imminent, there exists a phrase that has intrigued me.  This generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.

I have observed that throughout Christian history that each generation that has come and gone senses that they are the generation to which Christ refers.  And that has proven to be a useful tool for keeping believers on their toes!  Yet … Christ Himself said to people of Judea of His time, …”this generation“.

More and more I am sensing that Christ was telling His followers … that all the events that will take place will come and go … but the emergence of the New Kingdom will depend upon the faithful and perseverance of this generation and all the generations that will follow.  The New Kingdom of the Spirit and the Truth, the New Kingdom of Divine Love being shared, will outlast the false hopes of military might and violence, the fall of “supposedly holy kingdoms and empires”, the claims of messiahs who eventually are proven false,  the end-times predictors that will keep conjuring timetables for the end.  Look not to these but think about the manner by which a fig tree grows … step by step in gradual process of maturing … look for where the New Realm of Grace is spouting and bearing fruit throughout the world.  And I tell you … that even this generation will witness the first harvest of the New Way.

Or so, I presently believe until such time I more perfectly understand.

Always in Christ’s Service,

Fr. Charitas de la Cruz