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. At the end of the year, the Church turns our minds towards the end of time, the eschatology. It brings to our minds 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, when he said, “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 sometimes live as if it will never happen to them. The readings of today leave no one in doubt about the inevitability of the end.
2. The book of Daniel is one of the apocalyptical 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. According to Daniel, “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. In the end, even 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 stressed this point thus: “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 called on God to be his inheritance.
3. Today’s gospel continues from where the first reading left off. It 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 the hearts of men, it will usher in the Son of man and the final establishment of the kingdom of God. “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.”
4. The point stressed in these readings is, we must be prepared for the second coming of Christ. Christ urged us to “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 or fearful about the end. Indeed, we are always afraid of the unknown. But worrying will do us no good. Only those who did not live well should worry about death and dying. What legacy are we leaving behind? How did your life impact others? Have you left a will for your loved ones? Do you have a durable power of attorney? Did you have an Advance Directive made when last you were sick in the hospital? Do you still talk to members of your family? Or 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 accordance with the teaching 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? Prophet Micah tells us what we must do: “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 but what we do. We must learn to love and forgive all, even our enemies.
5. St Paul tells us, “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.” (Rm. 14:7). It means that our lives have a bearing on others. We must think actively about those in our society that we must assist. Remember, at the end of time, we will be judged on love, how we were available to others in their needs. These are the people who will lead us to the Son of man 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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