end times
"Be on the watch. Pray constantly." —Luke 21:36
The Lord revealed to Daniel that much of world history is a series of beastly kingdoms, which show little respect for human dignity and human rights (Dn 7:15ff). Periodically throughout history, a leader comes to power who is even worse than the average beastly oppressor. For example, Antiochus IV Epiphanes was the worst in a series of evil rulers. He was the Napoleon, Hitler, or Stalin of his time. This revelation to Daniel of world history is not optimistic. Sin and sinful leaders will increase (Rm 5:20). Realistically, we should expect the worst. Finally, the catastrophes of the end of history "will come upon all who dwell on the face of the earth" (Lk 21:35).
However, grace will overflow all the more (Rm 5:20). To receive this grace "to escape whatever is in prospect, and to stand secure before the Son of Man" (Lk 21:36), we must be vigilant at all times and pray (Lk 21:36, RNAB).
Today is the last day of the Church's year. Luke 21:36 is the last verse of the last Gospel of the Church's year. The last word is: "Be on the watch. Pray constantly for the strength to escape whatever is in prospect, and to stand secure before the Son of Man" (Lk 21:36). Let us end the year, our lives, and history by obeying the Lord's command to be vigilant at all times and pray (Lk 21:36, RNAB).
Prayer: Father, may I look at the future without fear and with obedient, prayerful hope.
Promise: "Then the kingship and dominion and majesty of all the kingdoms under the heavens shall be given to the holy people of the Most High, Whose kingdom shall be everlasting: all dominions shall serve and obey Him." —Dn 7:27
Praise: Rita was away from the Church for thirty-five years. Now she can't get enough of Jesus and volunteers two days a week for a Christian ministry.
Rescript:
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, April 24, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 28, 2003