Homily for November 27th, 2020: Luke 21:29-33.
On the next to
last day of the year in the Church’s calendar, she gives us Jesus’ words:
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Remembering
the boy Samuel’s words in the Jerusalem
Temple
-- To Mary and Joseph, thankful to have found their Son in
the Temple after a frantic search, the 12-year-old boy speaks his first
recorded words: “Did you not know that I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Lk.
2:49) Already, at age 12, Jesus knows that God was his Father, not Joseph.
-- What gospel reader does not recall Jesus’ words to
Nicodemus: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever
believes in him may not die, but may have eternal life”? (Jn. 3:16)
-- Which of us has not found comfort in the words: “Come to
me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.
Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble
of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light”
(Mt. 11:28ff)?
-- Unforgettable too
are Jesus’ words to the terrified young girl just delivered from death by
stoning for adultery: “Nor do I condemn you. You may go. But from now on avoid
this sin.” (Jn. 8:11)
-- Jesus’ seven last words from the cross have provided
inspiration for uncounted thousands of preachers on Good Friday. “Father,
forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” (Lk 23:34) To the
penitent thief, crucified next to him: “Today you shall be with me in paradise”
(Lk 23:43). “Woman, there is your son …son, there is your mother” (Jn. 26: 19f).
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mk. 15:34) “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)
“It is finished” (Jn. 19:30). And, “Father, into your hands I commend my
spirit” (Lk 23:46).
-- Finally Jesus’
words to Mary Magdalene in the garden of the resurrection: “Do not cling to me
… Rather, go to my brothers …( Jn. 20:17).
Jesus is
saying the same to us, right now.
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