good news has the last word

YEsterday we listen to two readings that described the "end times." There has been much said about this reality, especially in light of the Mayan Calendar.

Everybody wants the inside scoop. All want to be in the know. Yet Time and time again Jesus reminds us we do not know the day nor the hour.

But in reality it isn't the "when" that should be important to us but rather the what of the "end times" that matter most of all.

Apocalyptic literature is what we call the readings and passages that describe the end time, such as the words of Malachi and the words of Jesus in Luke chapter 21.

Apocalyptic simply means to unveil, to reveal, to make known what was hidden.

These readings are important for what they reveal to us and this is where our focus, our gaze, our attention should be. The "when" will be when it comes, but the what remains steadfast.


So what is revealed.

In a nut shell, if you look at the two readings form yesterday, malachi and Luke 21, you discover a mixture of good news and bad news.

Each reading starts off on a sour note.

"Lo the day is coming and it will be blazing like an oven...the wicked shall be burned up." This sounds pretty bad.

Again JEsus says, "not a stone will be left upon a stone...and there will be earthquakes, famines, plagues...there will be wars and violence...yo will be thrown in prison and betrayed by your family."

Again more Bad news. In fact, You could say that it is going to get ugly.

Yet, the Bad news gives way to good news. The words of malachi end on a positive note, "but the there will arise the sun of justice with his healing rays." Again JEsus says, "not a hair on your body will be destroyed and by your perseverance you will secure your lives."


The bad news fades and the good news rises to the front. In fact, what is revealed primarily is that the good news has the last word. This is important for us.

The Good NEws always has the last word. Here is something we can build a life around; here is something that can give us peace and stability.

If we cling to Christ, then we have nothing to fear no matter when the end arrives.

For in Christ, we have a future. The future is filled with real possibilities, with the fullness of life.

There is never a reason to push the panic button. Things will get worse before they get better, but in the end the better will remain, and this is where we stand. We have hope in tomorrow and this hope strengthens us for today.

So in the words of JEsus in the end of Luke 21, "stand erect, raise your head, your redemption is at hand."

The one who has hope lives differently, and this makes all the difference for today.