What Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel isn’t easy to hear. He speaks of wars, earthquakes, famine and plague – all things we would rather avoid. Sadly, we don’t need St. Luke’s Gospel to learn of such tragedies. A glance at a newspaper or a few minutes of nightly television reveal more than enough heartbreak and destruction.
So why do we read this Gospel at all?
Because as each liturgical year draws to a close, we revisit the story of salvation. Advent renews the promise of a Savior’s birth. Throughout the year, we relive Jesus’ life and ministry. On Holy Thursday we share His supper, on Good Friday we witness His passion and at Easter we rejoice in His resurrection and ascension. Now, we wait in joyful hope for His return.
Today’s Gospel speaks of the signs that will precede that return – it is the end of the world as we know it. It’s the final chapter of the story that began in Genesis. St. Luke first predicts the destruction of Jerusalem, which indeed occurred in the year 70 A.D., when the Romans crushed the Jewish rebellion, burned the Temple and enslaved thousands. All of this came to pass.
But the ultimate end has not yet come.
Many have tried to predict that day, but Jesus reminds us: “You will know not the day or the hour.” Scripture teaches that this world will not last forever, but it also tells us the end is not tragedy – it’s fulfillment. The end of history will usher in the Kingdom of Christ in all its glory. This is the mystery of faith we proclaim at every Mass: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” This is far from a distressing phrase. These words are filled with hope.
Jesus urges us, when the signs appear, to “stand erect and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.” So, how do we live as we wait? Quite simply, we should live as if the Lord were coming tomorrow. In fact, we should live as if He is already here – because He is.
Christ has not yet returned physically, in power and glory, but He reveals Himself daily. Do not expect to see Him on a cloud with a jeweled crown. Instead, look for Him where people gather in His name, in the preaching of the Word, in the Eucharist at Mass and in the faces of those you love.
Most of all, look for Him where He told us He would be: in the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick and the imprisoned. When you find Him, open your arms and say, “Here I am, Lord.”
This month, I encourage you to reflect: Have you used the gifts God has given you? Have you used them well? If not, remember, this is not the end. There is still time to serve His Kingdom. Give of yourself, and God will supply all you need for what lies ahead.
Advent is the perfect time to ask: Am I becoming the person God calls me to be? Do I like the path my life is taking?
My friends, prepare your hearts for the Lord who is, indeed, already among us.
