The readings give a terrifying picture of events at the end times: sun and moon turning dark, stars falling, earthquakes. We know from science of dying stars and new stars being born; we see extreme weather in many parts of the world and greater movement of people from unsustainable places to new areas causing conflicts in many lands. In the early days of corona pandemic we were horrified watching the sudden deaths of so many around the world, churches, schools, business closed and wondered, is this the end of the world! Bible often uses apocalyptic images that shake us and warn us of consequences of human sins, unjust systems. The second coming of Christ is part of our creed, the final judgment or consummation of ages. How do we understand the end times? Jesus says, only the Father knows that day or hour!
God saw the world he created as good but evil pervaded the world through sinful human actions. There is a promise, hope hidden in these warnings. Learn lessons from the signs of the times and reform life; be mindful of our calling to follow Christ and build the kingdom of God [love, peace, joy], the only thing that lasts; the world, our personal world will pass away. This following of Christ is by taking up our daily crosses of brokenness, illness, grief, stress, fears and crisis of faith, knowing that we are moving in God and our destiny is to find our ever-well-being or rest in God. The warning to be awake or alert is about reconnecting ourselves to God in love; it is to live this moment with thanksgiving and joy, what Paul says, ‘this is the acceptable time, day of salvation’ [2Cori 6]. Reflection on the end times is not to terrify us but that we may appreciate and live the gift of faith; the promise is that if we live the faith by being awakened in prayer and flourish life by caring and loving, our life is secure in God’s hands.
Anne Osdieck: ‘cars will rust and fall apart. Condos crumble to the ground. Even the football teams will eternally fail. Everything will go: investments, worries, honors, pains, until that time. Let us listen to each other and to the pain in all the world. Lord, please fill us with your Word, which will never pass away and let us take you to everyone till the end of time. You are love and love remains’. The thought of end times awaken us to Jesus’ promise, ‘I am with you till the end; remain in me’. Remain in Christ is to remain in his love and choose to walk with him; nothing terrifies us if we love! Emily Dickinson: “Hope is the thing with feathers -that perches in the soul -And sings the tune without the words - and never stops - at all’. The song of hope we sing in our souls is ‘maranatha’, come Lord Jesus!