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In today’s Readings, we hear about things that will happen before Christ returns in glory. In the First Reading (Malachi 3:19-20), from the last book of the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi warns that the end is near, and that the final judgment is coming. In today’s Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3:7-12), St. Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to be mindful of their own behavior and not worry about the indiscretions of others. This comes directly after his warning against deception regarding the Second Coming of Christ. And in the Gospel (Luke 21:5-19), Jesus warns his disciples that there will be wars and insurrections, earthquakes, famine, plague, awesome sights and many signs from the sky. These are dramatic predictions, and many of these things have been experienced throughout history, but keep in mind that Jesus also said that no one knows the day or hour of his return, except the Father in Heaven.
Whether it is preparing for the day when Jesus returns at the end of time, or any other unknown matter, Jesus tells us time after time throughout the Gospels to not be afraid. Fear can poison us. Fear can distract us from what is most important. If we remain faithful and connected to Jesus we truly have nothing to fear. Remember the words associated with the image of the Divine Mercy – “Jesus, I trust in you.”
How do we do this? How do we keep from being overly frightened at the prospect of the End Times? We stay the course. We keep close to the Lord. We stay connected through prayer and the Sacraments. We stay faithful in loving and serving one another. Like the bird who flies long distances as it migrates with the change in seasons, we trust that God will get us where we need to be. Our security is found in God – not in the events of our life or the passing things of this world. When we persevere and remain faithful, fear loses its power, and we are reminded of the words of St. Paul in Philippians 4:13 – “In Him who is the source of my strength, I have strength for all things.”
