Signs of the Times

Luke 21: 29-33 29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. What are the signs that are warning us in our times? Our snaller Sunday Mass attendance, the increasing number of baptized who now proclaim no fain in or realtionship with God and claim they don't need him, the anger, violence and disrgard for the rights and beliefs of others, the shrinking of what's left of our moral code, and the "me first" attitude that seems to be overtaking our yound adults... these leaves are visible on some of our fig trees, but there are other more positive simgs as well: young people volutneering to help the needy for a year or two before entnering their own professionions, the generous giving of time and money when disaster strikes, small pockets of devout followers of Jesus, particualraly young adults, who attend Mass more than once a week, who fast twice weekly and attend Bible Study gorups or who devote a day a month or week to help the less fortunate, the huge display of largesse to make sure every one might have a Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, these signs are plentiful too and will outshine the bad signs. Let us trust that the power of Good will win over the power of evil. Let us fear not, for God is always with us, every step of the way. Bro. Rene