Keep calm and persevere!

This weekend, as our Liturgical Year is almost at an end, we continue our reflections on the resurrection and the end of all things. Last week the focus was upon our belief in the life to come and how we should prepare for this here and now. This week, we are invited to be alert and ready, but at the same time to avoid reading too much into possible signs of the end, or even obsessing about them. In our own time, we can think of events and predictions that the world was about to end: the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, the possible crash of technology as the year 2000 came, or the end of things in 2012 as the Mayan calendar expired (to name but a few!). Our readings ask us to read “the signs of the times,” but also teach us how to do this with care. 

The First Reading and our first teaching moment, comes from the prophet Malachi (Malachi 3: 19-20). As is so often the case, the situation that Malachi describes some 2,500 years or so ago, could also be ours. The context is that the people of Israel had returned from their Exile, full of joy and expectation. However, they had experienced almost overwhelming struggles and hardships. Naturally, they were becoming disillusioned and despondent, wondering what was the point in trying to follow God’s Law. Some were even questioning whether there was a God. Malachi reminds them that God’s justice will prevail and that it is vital to be courageous and persistent, especially when facing trials and tribulations. Our psalm (Psalm 98) takes up these themes. It is a beautiful song of praise. First of all, the psalm sings of God’s rule over creation. It then goes on to proclaim a true hope that God will come to rule the Earth with justice and equity. 

The Second Reading continues our exploration of St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians (2 Thess. 3: 7-12). Paul reminds them of how he tried to be for them a model of Christian life. However, he has heard that some of the Christian community were waiting for the coming of the Lord, but were doing this by sitting around doing nothing. Even worse, they then interfered with the work of those who were doing something! St. Paul reminds them that the best way to prepare for the Lord’s coming is by an “active waiting;” that is by continuing to follow the Lord in all the ordinary things of life. 

In the Gospel reading, Jesus provides us with sound guidance and encouragement about how to prepare for his Second Coming and the end. Some people were commenting on the awesome beauty and grandeur of the Temple in Jerusalem. We know that the Temple was indeed a wonder of the ancient world. With all the courts and structures, it was probably at least the size of Colonie Center. Not only that, it was adorned with all sorts of beautiful and precious decorations. However, in 70 A.D. it was all but destroyed by the Romans. The “wailing wall” is a remnant of the vast wall that surrounded the Temple. 

We can imagine then how shocked people would have been when Jesus prophesied that this seemingly permanent and enduring focus of religious life would be destroyed. In a way, it would have felt like the end of the world. Once they had overcome their shock, the people then asked Jesus some key questions: when will this happen and what signs will there be? Our Lord’s reply taught the questioners (and us), some important lessons. First, do not be led astray by various prophecies or interpretations of events that say “this is the end.” These are not reliable or even true. We should, of course, read the signs of the times, but only so as to be alert and ready for the coming of the Lord. We also need to persevere and never to give up, even when events or circumstances seem overwhelming or hopeless. 

This last point is so topical and current. Many of us have experienced that temptation to throw in the towel. It could be after legislation that adds to the culture of death gets passed in our State of New York, despite all our efforts. It could be as the latest revelations in the abuse scandal are made. It could be as a family member does something wrong despite our love, care and advice. It could be as someone we love dies suddenly or tragically, or after a long and debilitating illness. Whatever the case, our Lord, as he journeys with us, asks us not to give up.