Be calm and carry on!

Luke 21:5-11

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

Food for thought!

Jesus loves us. He is warning us not to be carried away by rumours: take care, he says, not to be deceived by those who use Jesus' name. In other words, because someone is always using Jesus' name does not mean that he genuine.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" (Mt 7:21-23)

Jesus continues to say: take care not to be deceived that the time is near at hand; refuse to join such rumours.

And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. Be calm and carry on:

·         Right Belief (Views) — that Truth is the guide of each person.

·         Right Resolve (Thought) — to be calm at all times and not to harm any living creature.

·         Right Speech — never to lie, never to slander anyone, and never to use coarse or harsh language.

·         Right Behavior (Action) — never to steal, never to kill, and never to do anything one may later regret or be ashamed of.

·         Right Occupation (Livelihood) — never to choose an occupation that is considered bad.

·         Right Effort — always to strive for that which is good and avoid that which is evil.

·         Right Contemplation (Mindfulness) — of the Noble Truths, in calmness and detachment.

·         Right Concentration (Meditation) — will then follow and lead to the path of perfect peace. (Cf. JM, Templeton).