Daniel 12.1-3 / Psalm 16.5, 8, 9 / Hebrews 10.11-14,18/ Mark 13.24-32
Today`s liturgy may serve as anticipation of the beginning of Advent season. We will already be celebrating the Feast of Christ the King next Sunday, after which is first Sunday of Advent. Our readings today speak about the end of the world. The first two weeks of Advent season focuses on the theme about prophecy, repentance, last days and the return of Jesus. We traditionally understand that the end of the world is the final coming of Jesus to take all creations and all peoples to Himself. In the rite of light during Easter vigil (blessing of the Easter candle) we profess Jesus as the source and end of all things (Alpha & Omega).
Towards the end of the church calendar each year we are often being challenged on how to approach/understand the description of events of what actually is going to happen on the last days. It may be troublesome for others while some others wonder whether those specifically and literally described tremendous things will really happen or not.
Modern Christian living is more inclined to find the inner meanings of what Jesus has told His disciples about the end of time, the certainty of His Words, and the endurance necessary in their earthly existence. While we are being told that no one knows the day and the hour as to when, and as to how really, things will happen, ours is faith and hope that God`s promises will be finally fulfilled in His time.
Each one, in faith, will try to live the present and every day in love and service for others. What is of more importance is to be able to live in hope every day that somehow each one will be able to recognize and experience the Kingship of God that is already happening. We are then invited to embrace the way of Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with Him.
When there is an ongoing deeper relationship with Jesus, it is not for us to worry. When there is an ongoing deeper relationship with Jesus, the so-called end times will be the best time for each of one us.