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We are encouraged to stand firm Lk 21:19 and be careful (Lk 21:34). These are valuable lessons for life, not just for coping with the end times but also applicable in the present moment. I wonder if Jesus was talking about the end of the world or teaching us something about our spiritual lives.

I wonder if Jesus is telling us to be resilient and be determined. We are called to be intentional in our actions. To be intentional requires us to chose to be so. Much of our lives are on automatic pilot. We have our routines and habits. Much of our behavior is a response to and/or a result of other’s behavior. Many worry that if they do not respond in kind they will be seen as weak.

Our faith is lived out in how we relate to people and to God. Last week we read that the Greatest Commandment was to love God and the second to love our neighbor, both laws are relational.

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Jesus is asked by Pontius Pilate if he is the king of the Jews. Pilate is not talking about a heavenly kingdom but an earthly kingdom. Pilate was not making an act of faith. He wanted to know if Jesus was a political threat or not. Jesus responds knowing that Pilate would not likely understand but encourages Pilate and the listeners to learn about God’s kingdom. Pilate’s perspective is very simple and does not see the point Jesus is trying to make. Its worth noting that Jesus is not intimidated by Pilate. Likely he knows how this will unfold. He is confident and remains focused.

The term kingdom in a modern context might not have the same meaning that it did 2,000 years ago. We are less likely to see kings as leaders or holding a position of significant power.

I invite listeners to pause and reflect on who is God to you. Another way is to reflect on what role does God have in your life?

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This Gospel was written over 2,000 years ago and the world is still here so I am less convinced the readings were written to prepare us for the end times. However, many of the early Christians understood these readings as a sign pointing to the end of the world. One of the reasons why the Gospels were written so late, was because many people believed Jesus literally, and that the end of the world would take place in their lifetime.

I suspect these readings could be interpreted differently. I propose that Jesus is talking more about the trials and tribulations in our lives. Our faith in Jesus does not exempt us from struggles. Rather than seeing these as the end, Jesus invites us to see this is a time when God will show his saving power.

Could those struggles be actually helpful to our spiritual growth? Struggles encourage us to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Struggles can lead to maturity and a perspective on life that leads to spiritual and psychological growth.