End Times

Today’s Gospel Text: "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

29 And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34 "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; 35 for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. 36 But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:25-36

Reflection: The prophecy of the end times can be pretty unnerving and can disturb quite a few if one really reflects on it seriously in the light of the many prophecies revealed to the saints of God in different ages.

There have been saints who have been given a vision of purgatory and hell too and it is left to us to reflect on them.

What Christ has revealed is the beginning, the foundation and in itself should suffice if we just don’t plainly read it but enter into the depth of reflection which God expects of each dedicated disciple.

The end of all ages will not just come upon the Christian or a follower of Christ but on all mankind, irrespective of nations, color or creed.

Those who will be equipped to face that day will be the dedicated disciples of Christ who have deeply reflected on their call in the light of the end and followed him closely.

This again is another indication that it is necessary for everyone to believe in Christ in order to face that day. It is only Christ who gives us such a warning and what kind of upheaval to expect.

To know the end and to be prepared for it is constitutive element for salvation. Hence if you want to be saved then know the end and all that Jesus has to teach us about it. 

One of the elements of the end is the great corruption that is going to set in the faith that Jesus has revealed which will lead even the elect astray. (cfr. Mk. 13:22)

There are many, who act as false prophets, in the church who are preparing the people to welcome the anti-Christ in the world.  There are them who preach a gospel of universalism and unity of all mankind based on false values, in the name of justice, peace and brotherhood

The only way we can escape this end is by having a savior; the time tested one, Jesus Christ and seek to be guided by his voice amidst the deception of daily lives. It is he who will guide the sincere of hearts to avoid the contagion of falsity and deception.

Prayer:  Lord, I need your help to guide me constantly amidst the dark corrupting evil world in which we are being constantly led astray by the apostles of darkness and deception.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us