Scripture: Luke 21:29-33 - And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."
Meditation: Do you recognize the signs of God's presence and action among us today? Jesus used the image of a fig tree to teach his disciples an important lesson about reading the "signs of the times." The fig tree was a common and important source of food for the Jews. It bore fruit twice a year, in the autumn and in the early spring. The Talmud said that the first fruit came the day after Passover. The Jews believed that when the Messiah came he would usher in the kingdom of God at Passover time. The early signs of a changing season, such as springtime, summer, or autumn, are evident for all who can see and observe the changes. Just so are the signs of God's kingdom and his return in glory on the day of judgment. The "budding" of God's kingdom begins first in the hearts of those who are receptive to God's word. Those who trust in God's word will bear the fruits of his kingdom. And what are the fruits of that kingdom? "The kingdom of God ..is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). The Lord gives the firstfruits of his kingdom to those who open their hearts to him with expectant faith and trust in his word.
We do not know the day nor the hour when the Lord Jesus will return again in glory. But the Lord does give us signs, not only to "wake us up" as a warning, but also to "rouse our spirits" to be ready and eager to receive his kingdom when he comes in all his power and glory. The "Day of the Lord" will strike terror in those who have ignored or rejected God, but it will be a day of joy and rejoicing for those who long to see the Lord face-to-face. The Lord Jesus wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation for his coming again. While we wait for the Lord's physical return in glory, we can know his presence with us through the work and action of the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts. The Lord Jesus comes daily and frequently to those who long for him and he speaks tenderly to our hearts like a lover who whispers in the ear of the beloved. He comes to show us the way to our heavenly Father and to give us the hope of eternal life.
Refection Question: Do you recognize his presence and
do you listen to his word?
Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Alpha and the
Omega, the beginning and the end of all history, and the lord of all
creation. Give me joyful hope and assurance that I will see you face to
face and be united with you forever when you return in glory." Amen.
Peace and all good,
Brother Ed, OFM
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Quincy News:
Copley,
Henning up for five-year reappointment's to chief posts
By
MATT HOPF
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
Quincy Police Chief Rob Copley and
Fire Chief Joe Henning are up for five-year reappointments to their positions.
The city's Board of Fire and Police
Commissioners, which handles hiring and promotions for both departments,
recommended that the two remain chiefs of the respective departments. The City
Council will consider confirming the reappointments Monday.
Mayor Kyle Moore said he supports
the reappointments.
Copley, who has been with the
department since 1980, was named chief in 2004 after the retirement of Michael
DeVoss. Henning replaced Scott Walker, who retired as chief in 2009. He has
been with the department since 1993.
The reappointments don't include any
changes in salary. Raises are typically included during budget discussions.
Copley made $100,840 during the last fiscal year that ended April 30, and
Henning made $97,003.
-- mhopf@whig.com/221-3391
Fire
Department chaplain hosts Holy Hoops fundraiser
Brother Ed, the Quincy Fire
Department chaplain, is hosting the Holy Hoops basketball fundraising event
Wednesday, Nov. 27, at the Quincy
Notre Dame Gymnasium. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with teams
warming up at 7 p.m. and the first game starting at 7:30 p.m.
This event will feature players from
the Quincy Fire Department, Quincy Police Department, Adams County Sheriff's
Department, Illinois State Police and the Adams County Ambulance Service.
The
featured players will be divided into three teams -- law enforcement, fire and
emergency medical services. The event will be a round-robin style tournament.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3
for students. All proceeds will benefit the Franciscan Firefighter Ministries.
More information is available from
the Quincy Fire Department chaplain, Brother Ed Arambasich, OFM, at (217)
316-4335.
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
