We live in apocalyptic times, but this does not mean the end of the world. The word apocalyptic means “revelation,” an unveiling of things not previously known which typically unfolds within an historical context of chaos, challenge, and confusion. It is as if earth and heaven are being shaken to their foundations so that new understanding can emerge. In today’s Gospel from Luke 21, Jesus addresses an apocalyptic unfolding that was beginning to happen within his own lifetime. He said to his disciples, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”
Even a casual glance at the happenings on planet earth underscore the fact that we are living an apocalyptic period of history. Covid was just the beginning of a new normal that is still taking shape. While all of this is unnerving, even disturbing, the end of this ordeal is actually very positive. Jesus says, “They will see the Son of man coming in a cloud of glory.” Jesus’ language is not to be taken literally, but symbolically. Elsewhere, Jesus says, “You shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of man.” This passage means that at the end of this troubling apocalyptic period, heaven and earth will be more unified. The human race will be more evolved, and help from the celestial realms will be more easily accessed by any and all spiritual seekers. Reflecting on Jesus’ words, Yogananda tells us, “It was a promise that man has a divine inheritance to reclaim the omniscience of spiritual perception, that heaven and its wonders can be realized in the here and now.”
Jesus not only gives us a vision of the end game, but he also instructs us how to move through this challenging period of history: “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, or that day may catch you by surprise like a trap… Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Jesus is telling us something very simple: we need to stay awake and aware. Indeed, we need to avoid being seduced by fear or overwhelmed by the societal storms that are rearing their ugly heads. Moreover, we need to remember that religion that does nothing but tickle our ears or serve as a means of escape from the existential challenges confronting the human family is not worthy of the name. Through prayer and meditation we ground ourselves in God’s strength, wisdom, and love. If we remain vigilant in our spiritual practices and stay connected to like-minded souls, the Gurus WILL guide us through all of our trials and we can rest in the truth that “All things work together for good.”
Divine Mother, Beloved Guru,
As I remain fixed on you,
I know that
All things will work together for good.
