This week’s readings are referred to as apocalyptic. While ‘Hollywood’ and video games portray apocalyptic through images of widespread destruction, catastrophic events or zombie attacks, the original meaning refers to uncovering or unveiling to impart wisdom, meaning, and hope to people.

Like all biblical references to the future, such apocalyptic descriptions are symbolic in nature. They are meant to inspire believers to find whatever good they can from life’s inevitable suffering. Contrary to what some people think, they don’t point to specific historical occurrences, nor are they predictions of events taking place in our own time. Rather, they are meant to urge us on with perseverance and fidelity.

The prophet Malachi predicts: “the day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble”. Yet, for the righteous, it will be a day of healing. Luke presents Jesus announcing: nations at war, family divisions, and various natural disasters. For individuals, there’s also an expectation of persecution, hatred and even death. Yet, in the midst of the turmoil, promises for those who remain steadfast: “your endurance will win you your lives” and “not a hair of your head will be lost”.

Jesus warns his disciples there will be challenging times ahead – for himself, his followers and the nation. Yet, in the midst of all this, he offers hope that “the end is not so soon.” He urges his followers, and us, not to be fooled by so-called ‘saviours and messiahs’ spouting empty promises and false predictions. He implores us to remain resolute and forever focused on the gospel.

The gospel shines an insightful light upon the great efforts we put into building up visions, plans or structures only to have them torn down by circumstances; whether by natural disasters, accidents or the negligence and malice of others. We’re encouraged to reflect on such realities, with Jesus cautioning us to invest our time, talent and resources in God’s Kingdom and its values, which cannot be destroyed.

There’s a verse in Marty Haugen’s hymn “Gather us in,” that says: “Not in the dark of buildings confining; not in some heaven light years away. But here, in this place, new light is streaming, now is the kingdom, now is the day.” This is precisely what Jesus is saying. We must live God’s Kingdom now, not just as something that will happen at some future date. While God’s Kingdom is not fully established, it does have a solid foothold in our world.

Jesus is offering us the vision of an ending and a new beginning; a vision of God’s Kingdom and a different kind of temple where Jesus is the cornerstone. Jesus understands that every temple is temporary, every system we create will collapse, every cause, every framework that we construct will disappear and disappoint, except His!

David J Hore CSsR

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