—The Gospel of Luke, chapter 21:5–19

Year in year out, somebody takes on the task of naively reading the signs of the end-times for us. We have heard the prophets of doom, of Armageddon, and of the end of the world who have predicted the destruction of our planet. But, our world still keeps turning and we keep churning along.

The Gospel offers an important insight about the end of the world. We do not know when it will be, Jesus tells us. Only Our Heavenly Father knows and He’s not telling (Gospel of Mark 13:32). Then what do we do? We have to stay focused daily on following Jesus who, in spite of all that’s going on around us, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The gospel urges us to keep ourselves in a constant state of vigilance. By pointing to the end times, as Jesus actually does in Mark 13:25, He wants us to be fully awake when it comes. In Jesus, however, this time has already begun. We can further God’s reign by our watchfulness, one day at a time. We can heal broken hearts, free captives, take care of the needy, and spread the good news. This will allow us to recognize the Lord’s coming at the end of time if we are still alive but, more importantly, it will enable us to experience the Lord’s many comings into our lives, each day.

We can expect near, apocalyptic events such as 9/11, disastrous hurricanes, floods, fires, wars and rumors of war. But these events do not mean that the end is in sight. We can expect to be set to by earth-shattering events and problems in our society such as severe climate changes, and the threat posed by nuclear weapons. It comes with the territory. The fragmentation of the world around us calls for steadfast patience and faith, not panic. No need to draw our wagons in a circle and let the world fall apart. This reaction won’t wash. It is not based on scripture and it won’t help bring about God’s reign.

As Christians, we rest our case on our faith that the risen Lord is with us, active and effective. We must open our hearts and minds to the great work at hand, and “not be terrified” (Gospel of Mathew 24:6).

Sometimes we are inclined to think about the good old days. Our selective memory inclines to convince us that they existed. The gospel focuses on the good new days when Jesus’ message is active and effective, here and now, in our daily lives.

Let us be attentive to the signs of the times and try to make our community and our world a better place to live in with God’s help. Do not be preoccupied about the end of the world which is beyond your grasp.

Focus rather on living one day at a time. Tomorrow can take care of itself for today has enough problems of its own (Gospel of Matthew 6:34).

—Fr. Hugh Duffy