Global warming, melting of the ice caps, tsunamis, flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, increases in crime and abuse, decreases in morality and church attendance, wars, nations against nations, poverty and starvation. Do our first and second scripture readings this weekend sound like the news headlines? Are we in the end times? If you read further in chapter 21 of the Gospel of Luke, there are numerous additional signs of the end including persecutions due to religious beliefs, and tribulations of armed occupations and severe punishments, and extreme natural phenomenon so frightening as to cause death. All of which could be in today’s headlines.
Why is it that we are so concerned with the “end of the world”? And so worried about when the end will come? The Good News that Jesus proclaimed is one of hope. As Luke tells us in chapter 21, Jesus proclaims that our “redemption is at hand”. God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11-14 that the Lord’s plan for us is “not for woe” but “full of hope”.
Acts 2:16-21 repeats the prophet Joel’s foretelling that in the last days, in addition to the great signs of end times, there will be a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. What Great News! Comforting News! Why should we be fearful of the end of the world when we know what has been promised us?
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is upon us today. Call upon the Holy Spirit, who you personally received at Baptism and who was renewed in you at Confirmation, to be rekindled in you today. Ask for the gifts of the Spirit to be enlivened in you. The same “holy boldness” that the first disciples received at Pentecost will be stirred in you and will enable you to proclaim to family, friends and all you meet, the Good News of hope for all who believe that Jesus is Lord! There is no fear of the end times by believers of the Word of God but only great peace and joy!
Praise the Lord!
bob & Irene Carubia
parishioners of St John University parish
bob & Irene are also leaders in the Light of Life Community sponsoring spiritual retreat opportunities, bible study, prayer and praise and Catholic radio broadcasting. For more info go to: www.wvLoL.org
Question of the Week:
Do you think we live in end times? Why or why not?
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