Environmental Stewardship Commission

Reflection on Luke 21:5-1
by Nan Stokes

The Gospel for this 24th Sunday after Pentecost is full of portent and black in its predictions. We can easily find events that fulfill this prophecy and wonder if the end times are coming at last. But then Jesus says, "But before all this occurs –" and then comes the scariest part: "You will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. We have considered the axiom that says, "It you were convicted of being a Christian, what evidence would there be to prove it?" Most of us who sit in church on Sunday mornings have never had to appear in court or listen to words that are meant to convict us, so the thought that we might have to do so is not comfortable!

This is the time when we must put our trust in the opportunity to testify, and know that we will be given words that none of our opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. Everyone within hearing will know about our Lord and our belief. Stories about the early Christians and the apostles are full of accounts of times when they were "on the spot" and words were put in their mouths which enabled them to convict others of their beliefs. In the meantime, we hope that we never have to face our opponents – in court or anywhere. But how can we prove that we are Christians if that opportunity doesn't occur?

Standard (Episcopal) Lectionary

Nan Stokes was an active member of St. Edward's Episcopal Church, Duluth, MN, when she originally wrote this reflection in 2001.  Nan and we welcome your comments. Please address your comments or additional reflections to Nan Stokes or any MEESC member, or mail them to: