Today, as we near the end of the liturgical year, we find two Scripture readings describing the end of time. Both the reading from Daniel and the Gospel from Mark begin with imagery and symbolism of darkness and cosmic upheaval that will take place as this world ends. God’s words to Daniel were that “it will be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time.” Jesus uses similar words when He speaks to his disciples of the days of “tribulation” where the sun will darken, the moon will give no light, and the stars will fall from the sky. These descriptions, if left standing alone, would be not only be depressing, but terrifying. Thankfully, with God’s grace, they are not the “end of the story.” Both readings end on a much brighter note than they began. “But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.” (Daniel 12:3) Jesus describes how the Son of Man will come in the clouds “with great power and glory, and then will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.” Jesus is speaking, of course, of His own second coming and of the final resurrection of humanity. 

These readings are challenging to understand but one message should be clear. Jesus is warning us that we must not delay. We must prepare now because we do not know when the end of time will arrive, “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, the Son, but only the Father.” Only God the Father knows when this earth will pass away. What we can and must understand is that our own life on this earth is finite. Yet both readings assure us that darkness (death) is not the end. Daniel uses the term “wise” to describe those who will shine brightly at the end. Jesus tells us that His “elect” will be gathered. These readings tell us to live each day as if it could be the day of judgement for us. The reference to the fig tree stands as a warning to not wither or be found barren when the “hour “comes but remain fruitful and sprout leaves. Of course, this is a metaphor calling us to be faithful to God and trusting always in His mercy. Yet for our part, we must be prepared to meet Christ and give an accounting of our discipleship when our “end time” arrives. In today’s Psalm we heard, “You will show me the path to life, fulness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever”. If we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us on the “path to life” our earthly end will become a joyful new beginning with God in Heaven.

Parishioner Dale Gerber