"This will be your opportunity to bear witness," the Sunday Gospel tells us (Luke 21:13). We can better navigate a world that's on fire when we realize that each time we're singed by its fires we have an opportunity to show those without hope that despite our circumstances there is always a reason to hope. There is a mission and a purpose behind every evil we experience in this world.
Jesus urges us to live with a constant focus. Admittedly, all of this is easier said than done, which is what makes Jesus' last piece of advice so critical. He calls us to live with our hearts and minds anchored in the fact that in the end, no matter what happens, we will be okay. Sure, the storyline might get scary, but when the last page turns his people win the battle. Jesus spoils the ending -- well, not really -- by promising that, "not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives" (Luke 21:18-19).
What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? What would you try if you knew for a fact that it would turn out just fine? How would you walk through life if you had assurance, a deep, abiding assurance, that when all's said and done you'll be safe and satisfied? It's a beautiful question, isn't it? Sure, the world around us is insane, but in the middle of it all, Jesus is inviting us to ask this question: "How should you live in light of the fact that I've guaranteed your survival?"
What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? What would you try if you knew for a fact that it would turn out just fine? How would you walk through life if you had assurance, a deep, abiding assurance, that when all's said and done you'll be safe and satisfied? It's a beautiful question, isn't it? Sure, the world around us is insane, but in the middle of it all, Jesus is inviting us to ask this question: "How should you live in light of the fact that I've guaranteed your survival?"
