When people talk about the end of the world, or when you hear about natural calamities here and there, what are your thoughts and feelings? - Daily Reflections November 17,2013

THE END OF THE WORLD AS GOOD NEWS?

 

I often wonder how people would react if the priest, after reading today’s Gospel in Holy Mass, would declare, “This is the Gospel of the Lord.” (Or, “This is the Good News of our salvation.”) Of course, the standard answer is, “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.” But taking a second look at today’s Gospel passage, we wonder, “How on earth can this be Good News — with all those predictions of cosmic catastrophes, disasters and persecutions?”

       Come to think of it, those scary scenarios are not meant at all to terrorize or frighten us. In fact, they are meant to console and strengthen us, as they did for the early Christians, the first readers of the Gospel. Note well, in fact, the concluding verses: “Not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

       Apart from the exegetical and hermeneutical considerations of the Gospel episode, we can simply compare the end of the world to the situation of a school newcomer on his first day of classes. There is excitement and anticipation, but also nervousness and jitters. When at last the first day is over and it’s time to go home, we might ask, “Is that all?” Meaning, with the first day of classes over, is education over as well? If so, then we can just call off the rest of the school year, is that it?

       Certainly not. The first day of classes is just that: the first day, the beginning. Education, being the lifetime task that it is, is surely far from over just with the conclusion of the first day of classes.

       This analogy might help us understand the overall scenario of the world and its end, as well as the far greater reality of eternity and God. Life in this present world is just like the first day of classes. Yes, we are all excited and eager, but sooner or later it will all have to come to an end. The nervousness and fear are there too, understandably, but we all know that it doesn’t end there at all. Should destruction and fear threaten us, the reality of the eternal God is still there. It is still good news, after all.Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: When people talk about the end of the world, or when you hear about natural calamities here and there, what are your thoughts and feelings?

 

Lord Jesus, may I learn to trust that, at the end of the world, You will be there.