"And then they will see the 'Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory."
Mark 13:26
Jesus speaks about a coming apocalypse, a cosmic upheaval: a darkened sun, an unlit moon, falling stars, all symbolic and alarming images: as in "alarm clock." Yes, Jesus Christ will usher in the kingdom of God in all its fullness. The Gospel urges us always to be ready. We don’t know when He actually will come to us in the mystery of death. Rabbi Harold Kushner’s book “Living a Life that Matters” notes that at the end of their earthly lives, people who've had the most trouble with death were the ones who thought they had made no difference for the better in the lives of other people.
We shouldn’t be frightened that God will end the world as we know it. What we’re called to do as Christians is to begin bringing about the kingdom as Jesus did in his earthly ministry: by getting our priorities straight, seeking God in our lives; being peacemakers; treating one another fairly; helping people know they have a purpose; and giving a helping hand, especially to the neglected.
Should Jesus come suddenly in the mystery of death, what good habits do I want him to find in me?
Help me, Lord, to make a difference for the better in the lives of people.
Today's reflection is by:
Fr. Kevin Mackin OFM
Did you know...
Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, of St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, has served in parish ministry and chaplaincy, and as a college president and professor. His articles and books include Enjoying God's Gifts; Get Thee Behind Me, Satan: Rejecting Evil; and Christian Unity: The Next Step 'That They May All Be One.' His website is www.FatherKevin.com.
