making ends meet
"It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book." —Daniel 12:1
The end of the Church year reminds us of the end of the world. "It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time" (Dn 12:1). "Men will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the earth" (Lk 21:26). "Indeed, had the Lord not shortened the period, not a person would be saved. But for the sake of those He has chosen, He has shortened the days" (Mk 13:20). "False messiahs and false prophets will appear performing signs and wonders to mislead, if it were possible, even the chosen. So be constantly on guard!" (Mk 13:22-23)
The Lord tells us to "stand erect" and hold our heads high (Lk 21:28) when the world ends. The way to have this confidence is to live for the Lord right now. If we end this year totally committed to the Lord, totally forgiven of sin, and totally forgiving of others, we can have confidence that we will be right with God at the world's end. If the world were to end today, what would you do? Saint Francis of Assisi had the right answer when he said: "I'd do what I'm doing now." Obeying the Lord is our only security for the future and the only security we need.
Prayer: Jesus, come back today or as soon as possible.
Promise: "Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins and took His seat forever at the right hand of God; now He waits until His enemies are placed beneath His feet." —Heb 10:12-13
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who is coming again to judge the living and the dead. Maranatha! "Come, Lord Jesus! (Rv 22:20)
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Book of Life on audio AV 82-1 or video V-82.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 3, 2009
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