Malachi 3:19-20
Psalm 97:5-9
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Luke 21:5-19
THE END OF TIME
On this last Sunday before the solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the end of the liturgical year, the readings speak of the end of times. In the first reading, the prophet Malachi announces “the day of the Lord.” It will be a bad and terrifying news for the proud, evildoers and ungodly, since they will be destroyed. But for the God-fearing and righteous ones, it will be a day of justification and salvation.
In the gospel, some people were in awe of the imposing magnificence of the Temple of Jerusalem. Responding to this, Jesus predicted that the time was coming when the Temple would be destroyed. He also announced the events that would come before the end of time: tribulation, the rise of false prophets, natural disasters, wars, persecutions of believers.
In fact, in every age, people have expected the end of the world to happen in their lifetime, as did the Thessalonians. Some of them, persuaded of the imminence of the return of Christ, behaved as if the day of the Lord had already arrived and abolished daily responsibilities, especially work. But for St Paul, we must not be too excited and let ourselves be deceived by the false prophets. The “imminent” return of the Lord should not make us idle. We are to work diligently as we await the return of the Lord and fulfill our various duties with love, respect and commitment. Our hope for the glorious return of Christ must be accompanied by our daily vigilance.
As such, we should not worry about what will happen in the future. Let each day be an opportunity for us to bear witness to Christ. Let us keep on doing what is good. We should not be afraid and give up in the face of difficulties and trials. In the gospel, Jesus has assured God’s protection and victory for those who would remain faithful. He will preserve us from any shame. Let us not forget that our perseverance in the face of persecution will lead to our salvation.
As we celebrate the World Day of the Poor, as established by Pope Francis since 2017, let us show love for the poor and pray that their perseverance and their hope in the Lord may not be in vain. Amen
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