As we are in the last week of the liturgical year, the scriptural passages for the liturgy speak about “end times,” which in theological language is called as eschatology or apocalyptic. In the book of Daniel we have two famous eschatological visions. The first vision is about the second coming of Jesus and his eternal reign and the second vision speaks about the resurrection of dead.

“I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven…To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed”(Dan 7:13-14).

“At that time Michel, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered…Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”(Dan 12:1-3).

In the gospels we find that Jesus also made use some of these eschatological images when he spoke about the end times (Lk 21:25-28, Mt 24:29-31, Mk 13:24-27).

The purpose of reminding us about the end times, in the scripture is not to frighten us but on the other hand, it gives us hope and encouragement. “Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near”(Lk 21:28). In the eschatological vision of St. John, in the book of Revelation, the Lord tells him; “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last and the living one. I was dead, and see I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades”(Rev. 1:17-18).

Secondly, we are reminded about the end times, so that we become spiritually vigilant in prayer and in our works. “Be alert at all times praying  so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap”(Lk 21:34). The best preparation for the future is to live the present well. That is why we find in the gospel, Jesus used the parable of faithful and hard working servants to teach us how we can be vigilant by fully living in the present.

We are not sure when and how the world will come to an end. We are not sure whether we will undergo all those frightening experiences of war and other calamities, which in different parts of the world many people are actually undergoing.  But it is sure that all of us will have our own personal “bad times” and “end times.” We should not be frightened or worried about them because Jesus holds it in his hands.

About the Author:

Fr. Binoy Puthusery, C.M. is a Vincentian priest belonging to the Southern Indian Province. He was ordained as priest on December 27, 2008 and soon after served as an assistant parish priest in Tanzania.  In 2011, after two years of ministry, he was appointed as Spiritual Director to the Vincentian Sisters of Mercy, Mbinga Tanzania, where he still is today.