Preparing for the End with Peace and Love

There are just two more weeks of Ordinary Time before we begin the season of Advent. It seems appropriate to observe the end and the beginning of the church year when autumn is fading into winter (in the northern hemisphere). This weekend’s readings focus our attention on apocalyptic images of end-time distress, the rise of Michael the Archangel, people rising from the dead to glory or disgrace, stars falling from the sky, and “the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13: 26, cf. Daniel 12: 1-3). That sounds so exciting! With all the craziness in our world, we might find ourselves eager to take up our Advent prayer, “Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!” But Jesus assures us that no one knows the day nor the hour when these things will take place, except the Father (cf. Mark 13: 32). So the Church reminds us every year to think about the end, and to prepare for it to happen at any time.

How should we think about and prepare for the end? I suggest we take our cue from two events which we will celebrate in these last two weeks of our liturgical year: The Solemnity of Christ the King, and Thanksgiving Day. Let’s take them in order: This week we’ll reflect upon Christ the King, and next week upon Thanksgiving.

As Christians who are responsible citizens, we participate in the political life of our locality hoping we can help the Lord to bring about the values of His kingdom in our world. But the politicians and political parties of our world do not correspond perfectly to the values of the Gospel or the Church. Pope Pius XI recognized this when, in 1925, he instituted the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King of the Universe. After a thorough critique of the problems of our secular society, Pope Pius XI concluded, “Society is threatened with irremediable ruin because of its rebellion against God and His Christ.” He proposed the feast of Christ the King as a remedy for society’s problems, saying “every year, on this very day, Christians are to renew the consecration of humankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” He challenged us to live our faith in the secular world. Then concluded that there would be no hope for a lasting peace between peoples as long as nations and their citizens refused to affirm and proclaim the authority of our Savior. “We must look for the peace of Christ in the reign of Christ” (Encyclical Quas Primas).       

So the Church recognizes that Jesus is the King of the Universe who is working through us to bring about the values of His kingdom. But how shall we interpret his reply to Pontius Pilot, “My kingdom does not belong to this world” (John 18: 36)? The gospels show that Jesus did not use any kind of force to impose His teaching or His kingdom upon anyone. His is a kingdom of love and truth. He says to Pilot, “For this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth hears my voice” (John 18: 37). Pilot concluded the conversation with a profound question, “What is truth?” (John 18: 38).  
In Biblical language, the word “truth” is not so much a fact as it is a road one can follow with complete trust in order to have life. It is contained in God’s law because truth is something “to be done.” One must walk in truth by conforming one’s actions and one’s life to the will and Word of God.  Jesus was sent by the Father to testify to that kind of truth. He taught it by words, by actions and lastly, by His death. All persons who belong to the truth, who keep it in their hearts, recognize God’s voice in Jesus, and welcome His kingdom in their hearts. 
So that’s one way to think about and prepare for the end. Welcome Jesus into your heart as “the way, and the truth and the life” (John 14: 6). And nurture His kingdom around you in His way: lovingly and peacefully. Such kingdom values may not seem to be “of this world.” But—regardless of who got elected this month—Jesus is the King of the Universe, and He’s calling us to live together in peace and love.