Readings: Dan. 12:1-3; Ps. 16; Heb.10:11-14.18; Mark 13:24-32
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
THE REALITY OF THE END TIME AND THE NEED TO BE PREPARED
Preparation they said, is the secret and foundation of every successful event. So, as a human person, there are two most important realities in our life. The first one can be predicted, prepared for and is constantly celebrated, that is, our birthday. The second one, which is the ultimate, is not known and less attention and preparation is being made for it, that is, the day of our death. This reality is what Jesus is addressing in our Gospel passage today.
Hence, Jesus knowing how important this day is, instructed his disciples in our Gospel passage saying: “In those days, after the time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will come falling from heaven and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.
Here, Jesus emphasized the need for us to be well prepared for the coming of God’s kingdom, warning us to read the signs of the End Time event just as we can read the signs of nature, for failure to do so, we may find ourselves unprepared when the time comes.
Little wonder we are told in our first reading to know that there is going to be a time of great distress and troubles as never before since nations first came into existence. When that time comes, your people will be spared, all those whose names are found written in the Book. Of those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth, many will awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting disgrace.
In our second reading, we are told that Jesus Christ has offered one single sacrifice for sins and then taken his place forever at the right hand of God, where he is now waiting until his enemies are made into a footstool for him. Because, by virtue of that one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. Therefore, we must learn to sacrifice for the good of others despite the situation in our lives, in our country and the world at large.
Dear friends, our life as Christians demands that we should be alert, we should be prepared at all times and be ready to make sacrifices. Today, we are called to be ready, we are called to repentance, and we are called to embrace the new life of grace, love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness and peace the Lord is offering us. We are called to a life of constant struggle towards perfection in order to embrace the Lord whenever he comes. Because so many people will be caught unprepared when they realize that the day of the Lord has finally come, and they have nothing to show to God for all the gifts he has given us.
Therefore, preparation is the key word. Let us not be deceived when the world suggests to us that the day of death is not coming soon so forget who we are, and then, the day and time will take us by surprise. Rather, let us be like that wise servant who is prepared at all times for the coming of the master. We should be watchful for we know neither the day nor the hour when the Lord will call us.
We are reminded today that this world is passing away, so we need to stay awake and be ready. We are called to abstain from things that will separate us from our God. We should look into our inner being and our interior life in order to embrace the life of holiness, goodness, purity and self-control, for they are the extra oil that will help us to be more prepared.
LET US PRAY, Lord God; we often fail to listen to your warnings concerning the things of this passing world and the need for us to stay awake and be ready for your coming. Give us the grace and wisdom to be well-prepared and ready to stand before you whenever you call us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy Sunday and peace be with you.
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