The reading from the Book of Revelation for today's liturgy surely is meant to remind its readers that there is an end for human beings on this earth and a day of judgment. No doubt the imagery can be frightening and a reason to consider the day of judgment each of us must confront and endure. However, the final verses are again a reminder of the unending mercy of a loving, forgiving and caring God, likewise a choice of words and vision that could be attributed to St. John the Evangelist.
Today's gospel account present what has confused many since the second century. Christians have experienced the annual change of seasons since the death of Jesus almost two thousand times! Yet the great end has not happened ... as the first and second century folks expected. So what is the meaning of the gospel for us today? Scripture scholars indicated that most likely Luke was writing within the context of his contemporaries' perception or understanding of Jesus' words. They truly believe he was coming again and it would be in the very near future for them.
All of this truly is an exercise in faith which is an exercise to prevent rationalism from grabbing the heart. In the writings of the recently canonized English saint, John Cardinal Newman, there are a number of times he presents his thoughts on the rationalizing manners of human beings. At its root, he sees rationalism as the effort of the human mind and heart to bring "revealed truths into conformity with the idea to which we have subjected them."
But for me today these words are a reminder that my life, like yours, has an unknown end point. It is a reminding gift of God to be prepared for the end time and an accounting of how I lived my life.
