Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) – by Fr Antonio Pernia SVD – Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies, Tagaytay
Thursday 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Towards the end of the liturgical year, the readings speak about the end-time and Jesus Christ’s second coming. The language is clearly “apocalyptic” (using extravagant symbolism to speak about the future) and may sound strange to modern ears.
The evangelist employs the perspective of a “double-lens” telescope. The “first lens” (“historical”) predicting the destruction of Jerusalem. The “second lens” (“eschatological”) speaking about Christ’s second coming at the end of time.
The “signs” mentioned in the reading refer to the “how” of Christ’s second coming. The “how” envisions a total renewal of the world and the emergence of something completely new. A new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1), or the reconciliation of all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth (Col 1:20). The reading talks about “the powers of the heavens being shaken.” It also mentions the “roaring of the sea and the waves.” “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars.” The second coming of Christ will mean the radical renovation of the entire universe.
Thus, the end time is not to be feared but to be awaited. Total renewal will entail the purification or destruction of the old. This may cause fear and dismay. It will also imply the emergence of something utterly new, provoking hope and expectation. Thus, the reading concludes with the words: “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect. Raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
Preparing for Christ’s second coming requires a fundamental re-orientation of our lives. We must shift from a self-oriented life to an other-and God-oriented one. It will mean allowing the purification or death of the “old person”. This also involves the emergence or the birth of the “new person”.
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