Readings: Dan 12:1-3; Heb. 10:11-14, 18; Mk. 13:24-32
You Never Lived
Well If You Are Afraid of Death
1. As the year comes to an end, the Church
turns our minds to the end of time, the eschatology, the four last things –
death, judgment, heaven, or hell. Everyone must face three of these realities
at the end. But we do not know when the end will come. So, we predict, despite
all odds, when we think the end will come. And the fear of our demise sometimes
overwhelms us. William Shakespeare captured our fear of death in his drama,
Julius Caesar, “Cowards die
many times before their death; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of
all the wonders that I yet have heard. It seems most strange that men should
fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.” Yet there are others, knowing the end is
inevitable, live like it will never happen to them. Today’s readings leave no
one in doubt about the inevitability of the end.
2.
The
Book of Daniel is one of the apocalyptic books of the bible. These books reveal
what will happen at the end of time. They were written when the children of
Israel were undergoing great persecution, stress, and trauma. The first reading
predicted that the Syrians would try to destroy the faith of the Jewish people
and persecute and kill those who were faithful to their religion and God. Daniel
predicted: “It shall be a time
unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time.” It will be so severe that Michael, the archangel,
will arise to guard the people. Daniel encouraged the people to remain faithful
and committed to their faith. Their perseverance will win them the crown of
glory, and those who died will awake to face judgment. The virtuous will live
forever and shine like the stars, while the unfaithful will face everlasting
horror and disgrace. James exhorts: “Consider
it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that
the testing of your faith produces perseverance…for when he has been proved, he
will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.” (James 1:1,12). The Psalmist prays to God to be
his inheritance.
3.
Today’s gospel, on the other hand, talks about the great
tribulations that will affect everything under the sun, including nature and
the elements. “The sun will be
darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling
from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Though this will be a terrible time that will
inflict fear in people’s hearts, it will usher in the Son of man and the
establishment of God’s kingdom. “And
then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and
glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four
winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.” The virtuous will reign with Jesus in his
glory forever. “But of that day
or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son but only the
Father.” As Christians we must be prepared for the
second coming of Christ. “Gird
your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s
return from a wedding, ready to open, immediately when he comes and knocks.” (Lk. 12:35-40). There is no need to be worried
about the end. Only those who did not live well should fear death and dying.
And unless the poor people are happy life is not worth living and we will be
unsure where our final destination will be. Living for others is a way of preparing
for our homeward journey to Heaven.
4.
So
what legacy are we leaving behind? How does your life impact others? Have you prepared
a will for your loved ones? Do you have a durable power of attorney? Did you
have an advance directive filed in the hospital during your last visit? Are you
communicating with all members of your family? Do you find it difficult to
forgive them? Is there anyone you cannot forgive? These are good points to
ponder when faced with the inevitability of death and dying. Our spiritual life
must be in line with the teachings of Christ. When did you go to
confession last? Do you have an active prayer life? Do you read your bible
regularly and pray the rosary daily? Listen to Prophet Micah as he addresses us:
“You have been told, O man, what
is good and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love
goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (6:8). Being a Christian is not what we say, it is
what we do. Let us begin to love and forgive all, even our enemies.
5. According to St. Paul, “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.” (Rm. 14:7). Since our lives have a bearing on others, we must think actively about those in our society whom we must assist. Because in the end, we will be judged on love and how we helped others in their needs. Those we assisted will lead us to Christ when he appears in his glory. Then He will admit us into the kingdom prepared for us since the foundation of the world. May it be so now and always. Amen.
Rev. Augustine
Etemma Inwang, MSP.
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