Mk 13:24-32
Later on, in those days after that disastrous time, the sun will grow dark, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall out of the sky and the whole universe will be shaken. Then people will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send the angels to gather his chosen people from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.
Learn a lesson from the fig tree: as soon as its branches become tender and it begins to sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the time is near, even at the door. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all this has happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
But, regarding that Day and that Hour, no one knows when it will come, not even the angels, not even the Son, but only the Father.
REFLECTION
READ: Jesus speaks about the end time preceded by some galactic signs. These portents show that the time is near for Jesus to come again in His glory. But with regard to the day and the hour, only the Father knows this.
REFLECT: As is clearly stated in the Gospel, no one knows the day and the hour when it will come. We can only know by signs that it is near. But even then, there is no cause to be afraid. It is because the end time is not only about punishment; it is also about the renewal of creation. The old order of sin will pass away. The new order of righteousness will set in. What will perhaps sustain the most damage are the oppressive structures of sin and death. And so, those who believe in the Lord have no cause to worry.
RESPOND: Many believers are oppressed by the fear provoked by those who use the end time as a tool to coerce people to do what they want them to do. Am I helping ease their anxieties by pointing clearly the words of Jesus that the date and time is the Father’s secret? That if even Jesus the only begotten Son is not privy to this, others of lesser stature in front of God have no business knowing it at all.
PRAY: Lord, may I be courageous enough to speak your truth even in an assembly of the hostile. May I have the generosity to bear the inconveniences it will cause me if I do so. Make me ever vigilant to preserve and defend your word of life in this, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CLARETIAN COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION, INC.
8 Mayumi Street, U.P. Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.: (02) 921-3984 • 922-00-11 • 921-28-59 Fax: (02) 921-6205, 927-7429
Bookstore: (02) 924-6835
Email: ccfi@claretianpublications.com / cci@claret.org
Website: www.claretianpublications.com
