For centuries, Christians throughout the world have professed the Nicene Creed, in which we proclaim that Jesus "will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead." Also, after the Consecration at Mass, we say: "Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again." Finally, at Mass, before Communion, we pray: "We wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ." We believe, proclaim, and pray that Jesus is coming back. We cry out with the early Church and Christians throughout the centuries: "Maranatha!" ("Come, Lord Jesus!") (Rv 22:20)

The Church has told us in the Scriptures: "The Lord Himself will come down from heaven at the word of command, at the sound of the archangel's voice and God's trumpet; and those who have died in Christ will rise first. Then we, the living, the survivors, will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thes 4:16-17). "Note this first of all: in the last days, mocking, sneering men who are ruled by their passions will arrive on the scene. They will ask: 'Where is that promised coming of His?' " (2 Pt 3:3-4) Those denying Christ's final coming "do not take into account" (2 Pt 3:5) that God's promises have repeatedly been fulfilled throughout history (see Jos 23:14) and man's denials of God's promises have been wrong.

Consequently, let us give our lives to Jesus and love Him with all our hearts. Then we will await His coming not with dread but with "joyful hope." "Console one another with this message" (1 Thes 4:18).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002