GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL

As we approach the end of the liturgical year of the Church, at first glance, the Word of God might seem to refer to the next life, to the end of time. But a deeper understanding shows that what the Word of God is really referring to is the present; the life lived here and now. It calls us to be ready and be prepared to receive Jesus not in the future, but now. He can come to us at any moment to bring salvation and that day of salvation is now. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end and all time belongs to Him and all the ages. The gospel of Mark 13:24-32 is called the little apocalypse because it was written when the community of Mark was persecuted. Apocalypse means unveiling, unfolding and revelation of heavenly mysteries. The message of the apocalyptic language is to proclaim a message of hope, not fear because it reveals God’s radical intervention destroying the ultimate power of evil. Jesus is the new power who inaugurates the kingdom of God. His resurrection opens up a new world. His death, resurrection and ascension makes it possible for us to share in the divine life by adoption. Heaven and earth will pass away but the Words of  Jesus will not pass away because God’s truth, justice, love and care will prevail forever. He has the ultimate and last word. He is stronger than death. He is the never changing love. He is always in charge and in control despite the aggression of evil. Death is not the definitive end. It doesn’t have the last word. It is the transition from this life to the next. That is why Jesus invites us to vigilance, watchfulness and readiness because no one knows the day and hour when the end of time will happen. Only the Father knows. What we know is that life is short, death is certain, nothing lasts except the love we have shared in our lifetime. We are called not to postpone our conversion, loving and caring. The only real time is the present and the only time over which we have control and the only time in which we can act. We have no control over the past. The future does not yet exist. It is living fully here and now. It is to live fearless lives and to bear fruits that will last. God is always in control and the only way is to live today and everyday in God’s love and service.