Keep your chin up

KEEP YOUR CHIN UP

Lk. 21:25-28, 34-36

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of strange and unsettling things: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on Earth nations will be in anguish, perplexed by the roaring and tossing of the sea.”  When I hear these words, I wonder - could this be a reference to something like a tsunami?  Jesus continues: “People will faint with fear at what is coming upon the world, for the powers of Heaven will be shaken.”  These words feel harmful and hard to grasp.

But then Jesus gives us something concrete to hold onto: “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”  This is more reassuring.  Is Jesus literally going to descend to Earth floating on a cloud?  Whether literal or symbolic, His promise of return fills me with hope.

Finally, Jesus says something deeply relatable: “Stand erect, hold your heads high, because your redemption is near.”  That phrase - "hold your heads high”—resonates with something many of us heard growing up.  Perhaps as children, when we were moping or feeling defeated, our parents or teachers would say, “Keep your chin up!  It’s not the end of the world.”  It was a mix of rebuke and encouragement: “Stop feeling sorry for yourself.  Straighten your shoulders. Face life with confidence, and you’ll feel better in no time.”

This, I think, is what Jesus is saying to His disciples.  Life brings hardships, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.  Sometimes adversity looms larger than it really is - though I say this carefully, knowing that for some people, life truly is overwhelming.

For those grappling with terminal illness, crippling loneliness, or severe financial struggles, “keeping your chin up” might feel like an impossible task.  Their courage in simply getting through the day can be extraordinary.  I wouldn’t dare to dismiss their pain with trite advice.  Instead, we should admire their quiet strength and offer them compassion and support.

For most of us, though, life is more manageable.  We may face difficulties, but we’re blessed with reasonably good health, the basics of life, and the support of family and friends.  When challenges arise, we can lean on these blessings, roll up our sleeves, and tackle them head-on.  And we can remember those less fortunate, allowing gratitude to shift our perspective.

But why should we keep our chins up?  The answer lies in Advent.  Adventus means “coming.” It reminds us of three comings of Christ: the past, the future, and the present.

Historically, we recall that Christ came to us as a little Baby in Bethlehem.  We also look forward to His promised return at the end of time, the "second coming."  But there’s another advent - the one happening right now.  Christ comes to us daily, in countless ways, if we have eyes to see.

Consider the volunteers who deliver meals to the elderly or the soup kitchens serving the homeless.  In their kindness, we see Christ coming to those in need.  If we limit ourselves to expecting Christ only in dramatic or supernatural events - like descending on a cloud - we might wait a lifetime without seeing Him.  But if we look for Him in the simple, Christ-like actions of others, we will find Him every day.

Advent invites us to hold our heads high, not because life is easy, but because Christ is near.  He comes in the quiet moments of kindness, in the love of our families, and in the strength we find in prayer.

Lord Jesus, the world often seems full of darkness, and we are tempted to despair. But You remind us to keep our heads high, for You are near.  Open our eyes to see You not only this Christmas but in every act of love and goodness.  Help us to recognize You, not floating on a cloud, but living and working in the hearts of those who serve others. 

PLEASE VISIT ME AT: https://fatherfrancismaple.co.uk