Holyrood Church 715 West 179 Street, Upper West side Manhattan, USA, 212-923-3770

When life is difficult, painful, or confusing, Jesus is with us.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:33.
 
Good morning, happy Tuesday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
Today’s Gospel reading (Luke 21:29-33) is sobering.  Jesus tells his disciples the parable of the fig tree.  He describes the natural cycle of trees from spring through winter.  Jesus uses the metaphor of nature to help us understand his teaching.  We know the cycle of the seasons and we understand the changes that occur with each season.  This analogy enables us to better understand what Jesus is saying to us.
 
In this Gospel Jesus also tells his disciples that all created things will pass away.  However, his words will never pass away.  As we know from our own experience, life can change quickly.  The change may be a positive one.  However, change also can be difficult and painful.  A family member may get seriously ill.  Financial troubles may create great distress and fear.  Changing jobs or moving to another city is not an easy process.  Or perhaps your teenager is “hanging out” with the wrong crowd.  
 
We are told that the world in which we live will one day disappear, but the words of Jesus, words of truth and life will be forever valid. These words represent a vision of life and those timeless values which we understand as emanating from God.
 
As we come to the end of the Church year it is a time for us to consider whether we want to belong to the kingdom that Jesus is inaugurating and not only to belong but also to make it our life’s work. Then, no matter when he comes to call us, we are ready.
 
However, Jesus reassures us that there is one reality we may always rely on: “Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words (and my love) will never pass away!”  When life is difficult, painful, or confusing, Jesus is with us.  He pours out his love, grace and strength upon us.  He will not abandon us!  May we remember his words when we are struggling or afraid or feeling alone.  Jesus is with us always!  May we trust this wondrous reality!
 
Jesus’ reference to the fig tree evokes his earlier parable about the tree that was given a second chance to bear fruit. I wonder, do I have the courage to start again when I fall by the wayside?
How well do I read the signs of the times, the signs that tell me what is valuable and what is passing?
What are the signs of life and of hope that I see around me? How often do I take time out to see and savor these signs of hope in my life? What words of Jesus give me life and give me hope? I ask Jesus to help me focus on these life signs, these hope signs.

Blessings,

Luis+

Date news: 
Tuesday, August 23, 2022 - 11:30

Ministry at the time of Coronavirus (Covid 19): Prevent, cure and accompany

Now we have to shape what some have started calling; The Church at Home. Although I keep asking myself; What do those who do not have a home do? For this reason, at the same time, I am declaring today in our Holyrood Church a Lenten day of prayer, fasting and reading the Bible in the Time of the Coronavirus.

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