When we read apocalyptic literature about the end of the world, we may feel afraid and confused. However, we must remember the abundance and generosity of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. God created us in love, sustains us in love, and redeems us in love. So what does it mean?
We are warned not to attribute the passage to
old-fashioned cosmology and the resolution of history and ignore it. We must also not read it literally and attempt to find the exact timing of the world's end. We know that all sorts of cosmic signs are present at all times. We can be sure that Jesus wants us to learn something from his words. What might it be?
We have all experienced times of tears running down our faces, cringing in fear, feeling anxious or angry or devastated when
reading the news, pain, illness, and so much more in our lives and in the lives of family, friends and the world.
We do not know when the world will end, but we do know what it feels like when our world ends. It may even feel like the cosmic events of which Jesus speaks.
The Gospel reading may describe the end of the world and can be easily misunderstood.
The story is not only for the disciples but also our story, my story. It appears to be words of warning, doom and loss, but this would only push us further into darkness and fear and close our eyes to the Son of man coming in power and glory! Instead, these are signs of hope and reassurance because our God is present and working in the world.
Some suggest that these signs express God's ultimate power over all creation and history.
What do you think?
Have I experienced times when I feel like the world is ending? Let me share this with our listening and compassionate God today.
How do I read “the signs”?
Reflections by Kath Knowles
