The End of Time

The unknown fascinates us.  Mystery movies and novels thrill us, the stars and the moon so high above us captivate us and nicely wrapped Christmas gifts under the tree tempt us.  If the unknown did not fascinate us, why else would “Let’s Make a Deal” be entertaining?  We just can’t wait to know what’s behind door number two.

Today’s readings address a great unknown that has fascinated and at the same time struck fear in our hearts for centuries: the end of time.

We certainly know some things about it, Jesus describes events that will precede it, but no one knows exactly how these events will play out.  Scripture teaches that when the end of time comes, there will be disarray on the earth and then Jesus Christ will return to judge the living and the dead.  All the living will be swept up for judgment and the dead will rise from their graves receiving back their bodies and then be judged too.

Throughout history various people have predicted the end of time.  Some early Christians believed Jesus would return within a few years.  In the year 1000, Christian Europe panicked as it waited for the end of the world since the book of Revelation stated the devil had been chained for 1000 years.  In the 14th century, a plague swept through Europe killing thirty to forty percent of the population, whole cities literally died.  People knew the end was near.  These last one hundred years have been plagued with predictions, including the much publicized May 21st 2010 date and, soon arriving on our calendars, December 21st, 2012, the so-called end of the Mayan calendar.

We know certain signs will occur before the end of time, but many bad things have happened in history and we are still here.  I dare suggest the signs will be worse than 30 to 40 percent of the population dying since that has already happened in history and the world did not end.  We do not know the magnitude nor the extent of the signs that will come.

Many live in fear of the end of time even though we pray at every Mass: Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free form sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We wait for Jesus Christ in peace and without distress, knowing that he comes to save us.

We wait for Jesus Christ in peace and without distress, knowing that one day we will see him face to face.

We wait for Jesus Christ in peace and without distress, hopefully living a life that is pleasing to him, free from all sin.

Do not be fooled by fear mongers, we have nothing to fear regarding the end of time.  Be prepared.  Be vigilant.  Be ready.  Be faithful and you will be protected from all sin and distress.  This way both the unknown and our fear will dissolve in our encounter with the Risen Christ.