I was in a conversation recently in which the political furor and tone was at a high point. Generally I avoid those conversations. I never initiate them, and seldom allow myself to get dragged into them. I listened passively as the firebrand in the group chastised all of us for not being more passionate about a particular issue. Granted the effects of the issue are potentially devastating and very challenging, nonetheless, none of us were particularly moved by the conversation. Unfortunately, this only served to further rile him.
There are always people around who focus on the end of times, and for whom imminent destruction is the constant of their lives. While every day that we live is one day closer to the end of something, in the cycle of history, it is also one day closer to the beginning of something. There are always those people who are huddled around a hospice bed awaiting the death of a loved one. There are also always those who are biding their time in the waiting room anticipating the birth of a child. History is a series of repetitions, each of which is a reminder of times past and a sign of hope for the future.
Twenty years ago, we were all revved up anticipating the new millennium and the sure signs that this would be the end. More recently we saw the warnings as the so-called Mayan calendar came to the conclusion of some mystical cycle. Nostradamus, the most notorious prognosticator of all time, is often cited whenever a major cataclysmic event occurs. Almost daily one scientist or another issues a warning about a pending future disaster. It is hard not to get sucked up into it all.
Jesus speaks to us on the destructive power of the end of history. This is the end that many fear, and there are always people who believe that their time – and now our time – is the end of history. Following an instruction from Jesus in this Gospel, they look into the signs of the times and see the imminent signs of destruction. This always happens, it is not new. It will continue to happen for as long as we have to wait for the fulfillment of the Kingdom.
As disciples of Jesus we are called to wait for the coming of the Kingdom. In two weeks we will begin the Advent Season which calls us always to patience in anticipation of the coming of the Kingdom. Many are on the constant lookout for the signs of the coming of the fulfillment of the future Kingdom of God that they miss the presence of God and the Kingdom in the present.
The challenge for the disciple is not to focus on the when, the how, or even the fact of the end of history and the coming of the Kingdom of God. The disciple’s primary, and perhaps sole focus, is to live the life of discipleship as though every day was the day. Through generosity of heart, steadfastness in faith, and the demands of love of God and neighbor, we are called to be continual agents of the Kingdom in the world.
It is true that each day countless thousands of people have their own personal eschatological moment. Some of them have been in hospice while others are suddenly taken with no warning. We are called to live our lives preparing for that moment and not to worry about the plans that God has for the end of the age.
Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.