Our Life on Earth Has a Meaning.
Dear Parishioners,
As we are near the end of our liturgical season, the scripture presents the end times warnings and predictions; a reminder that life is passing, and we are all on a journey. The language of Jesus in today’s gospel reveals that he is coming as one who never ceases to be present. We can say that having followed Jesus through our Sunday gospel readings, we get the feeling that we now know him. We watched him curing the sick and drive out demons, teaching the scribes and Pharisees. Every episode helps us to learn something more about him.
At this end time, Jesus speaks of his abiding presence and his return very soon. “The heavens and the earth will pass away.” He alone does not pass away. He gives us assurance and a sense of stability. In a world fading away with all her glories, the only thing we can be assured of is the presence of the Word that took flesh: Jesus, the Son of God. He is the only one who sits at the right hand of God.
Nevertheless, the reality of death and end times puts us in check. It reminds us that we are not the ultimate; rather it is Jesus who gives meaning to everything that exists. Only his coming will complete a project of which the start and finish are unknown to us: “as to the exact day or hour, no one knows it… but only the Father.”
The signs of the end times that Jesus describes in today’s gospel are quite frightening. Everything we thought was strong and reliable will come tumbling down. The sky, moon, and sun will cease to be. There will be a terrible feeling of loneliness and abandonment. Humanity will feel hopeless, desperate and incapable of doing anything in the face of the shattering situation. It will be the end of civilization, and no technology can save it. It will be over. And yes, the end will come. Jesus tells us nothing lasts forever; except the life he gives. Jesus’ teaching is the greatest message of hope that we could possibly hear.
There are people today whose world is turned upside down due to illness, pain, sorrow, death, hardship and betrayal. There are some who see no reason to live, who feel that God is against them. There are some who have chosen not to have a relationship with Jesus. And some whose faith has grown cold and distant. Jesus speaks to you today. Do not turn away from him. He has the message of eternal life.
The book of Hebrews presents to us Jesus Christ as our high priest whose powerful intercession has no equal. He sits forever at God’s right hand to intercede for us.
Grace and Peace to You,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
