Jeremiah 33:14–16
Psalm 25:4–5, 8–9, 10, 14
1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
Luke 21:25–28, 34–36
Much of our response to life is based on fear. We live in times of uncertainty. We look ahead and we are afraid of failure. We doubt we can meet the challenges set before us. Sometimes we may see “the light at the end of the tunnel,” but even then, we can imagine it not to be the way out, but another tragedy we will have to face. Jesus invites us to stand tall and to be confident that we are equipped to meet whatever is in prospect.
Some remind themselves that fear is really “f.e.a.r.,” “false evidence appearing real.” Others realize that it is not fear that causes the problem, but what our imagination does with that fear. We become authors of our own version of horror films designed to keep us in fear.
Jesus describes the end of the world as the collapse of everything that we find familiar and stable. Nothing in our experience is destined to last forever. Yet, at the very same time, He invites to stand tall, awaiting His return with confidence. “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
As we face the challenges of our time, Jesus tells us to stay awake, not to be caught up in the flow of things that are beyond our control and not to try to avoid the challenges by closing in on ourselves. “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap for that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” When the time comes for us to experience difficulties, we can be confident that God is with us and that we have all we need to stand tall.
In the earliest letters of the New Testament, written by St. Paul to the Thessalonians, we see that the first generations of Christians had concerns similar to ours. Their world was often in turmoil, and they faced persecutions and often misunderstood what was happening to them. Paul consoled them with a reminder that they were part of a family united in Jesus Christ and that God would be with them through all that they had to experience. “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen.”
Pope Francis has often commented that we are living not merely in a time of change, but in a change of epoch. Daily news has accounts that cause us to wonder if “the end is near.” Jesus’ advice to His contemporaries is apt for us. We must be vigilant. We must put our faith in Him.
We may or may not be at the end of the world. Nonetheless, we are certainly at “the end of an age.” God does fulfill His promises. We are safe and secure. We do have a God Who is just and merciful. Despite turmoil and change, we await the presence of God in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and true. Let us hold our heads high.
A personal word to readers of this column: I have enjoyed the weekly and bi-monthly challenge of reflecting on the Sunday and Holy Day Scriptures for several years to write this column. It has truly been a privilege. Now The Catholic Times has reached out to other priests who serve in the Diocese of Columbus to share the responsibility. You will have the opportunity to hear different voices. I will continue to contribute, but just once a month or so. May we all deepen our knowledge of the Scriptures by the shared wisdom. Knowledge of Scripture is knowledge of Christ.