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 planet 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 the Lord 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, comfort our neighbors, take care of the needy, spread the good news, and create a better world. This allows us to recognize the Lord’s coming at the end of time but, more importantly, it will enable us to experience the Lord’s many comings into our lives, all the time.

We can expect near, apocalyptic events such as the disastrous effects of climate change on our planet. But, all is not lost. We can do something about it. We can do our part to cut down on the use of fossil fuels, we can recycle plastic materials, we can improve the environment in which we live, and we can avoid useless waste. The harrowing events of our day 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 those 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,” but walk confidently, with hope, through life. (Gospel of Mathew 24:6).

Life is no bed of ease. It’s often what happens to us when we least expect it. A few weeks ago, I was driving along Interstate 95 to a meeting when, out of the blue, a big truck lost its tire and came hurtling across the highway narrowly missing the flowing traffic. God only knows what would have happened if the big tire had hit one of the cars travelling at a fast speed! It missed my car too, but came rebounding off the wall along the highway and banged into my back door, popping it open. I followed the driver as he attempted to exit the highway. We got out of our vehicles, and I showed him what his tire did to the back door of my car.

While we were talking, he shouted, “Watch out!” The same wayward tire came rolling down the highway, and slammed into my back. I thought my back was broken, but it wasn’t. I suffered bruises on my left leg. At Good Samaritan Hospital, I was x-rayed, and released immediately. I had no broken bones, thank God. I missed my meeting, but that was nothing. I was alive. That’s life.

Sometimes we are inclined to think about the good old days. Our selective memory inclines to convince us that they were without fault, and that we need to return to them. The gospel focuses on the good new days when Jesus’ message will be 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 how you can help your neighbor, and improve your environment which is within your grasp.

Live your life one day at a time, and don’t be preoccupied about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself ( Matthew 6 : 34 ).

—Fr. Hugh Duffy