Fr Paul reads from the Gospel of Luke (21: 21-33) in which Jesus tells his disciples, just as you know summer is near when trees get their new leaves so, too, there will be signs when the Kingdom of God is near. Fr Paul says this little parable of the fig-tree and, in fact, its mention of all trees, is inviting us to watch and listen and be alert for the coming of the kingdom. Luke is telling us that there are signs to tell us that the Kingdom of God is near. Jesus has promised that his words will never pass away and that it will be a time of renewal in the world.Even as we speak of the end, Fr Paul says, it is an end full of hope. Jesus’s words will never fade away, we will know when the Kingdom of God is near. Fr Paul invites us to reflect on just how wonderful, reassuring, and hope-filled this message is.