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Signs of God’s never-ending love surround us
Based on Dn 12:1-3; Heb 10:11-14, 18; Mk 13:24-32
Falling leaves. Wilted flowers. Cooler temperatures. Shorter days. These are all signs winter is coming. Nature begins to look sleepy, lifeless and dreary.
But, spring will come. Trees will sprout new leaves. Flowers will bloom. Warm temperatures will return. Daylight saving time will start again. Nature will awaken to new life and color.
As the church year comes to a close, the readings focus on the end of time.
In the Gospel, Jesus talks about the signs to look for when he returns to earth – signs such as thick darkness, falling stars and the heavens shaking by thunder and lightning. It all sounds scary.
Jesus tells us no matter what happens, he will be with us. He says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Jesus brought his light into the world. As believers, we know the darkness won’t last. At the end of time, Jesus will come in full power and glory to gather us into his heavenly kingdom.
The name “Jesus” means “God saves.” Jesus’ death and Resurrection won salvation for us. Jesus promised us heaven with him if we try our best to live as he taught us. Jesus says no one knows the day or hour – “only the Father.”
This is not to scare us but to invite us to greater closeness with God. If the Father is the only one who knows when the end of the world is coming, then we should stay as close to the Father as we can, living as children of God.
That is why Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father.” Made strong with prayer and his grace, if we try daily to love God and others, we don’t need to be scared about the end of time.
These are all signs of God’s continuing love: Sun, moon and stars. Rain and rainbows. Parents and family. Each newborn baby. Teachers and school. Friends. Smiles. Country. Church. Clergy and religious. Eucharist.
Each day thank God for the many wonderful signs and gifts of his never-ending love for us.
