As we near the end of the Church's year, the Church calls us to read about the end of the world. The Church is reminding us that:

• We cannot tell when the world will end (Lk 17:20).
• The last day will be so bad that we "will long to see one day of the Son of Man but will not see it" (Lk 17:22).
• Jesus will return at the world's end (see Lk 17:24).
• His return will turn the worst day to the great day.
• All of these events will happen very quickly, "like the lightning that flashes from one end of the sky to the other" (Lk 17:24).

Many other signs will occur at the end of the world, but these are four verses worth. Tomorrow, the Church will have us read more about the world's end, but we've heard enough today to respond by:

• praying,
• repenting,
• resolving to share our faith,
• forgiving, and
• surrendering our lives to God.

We need Jesus. Without Him, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). This is obvious now, but will become even more obvious at the end. Trust Jesus, our only Hope and the only Hope we need.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 2, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 1996