the end zone
"These things you are contemplating — the day will come when not one stone will be left on another, but it will all be torn down." —Luke 21:6
Jesus combined predicting the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. with predicting the end of the world. He did this because there will be marked similarities between the two catastrophes. Also, Jesus' accuracy regarding the fall of Jerusalem indicates the credibility of His revelations regarding the end of the world.
Jesus revealed many more details regarding the end of the world than He revealed about most other aspects of His plan. He did this to underline the fact that the end of the world is literally true and to help us prepare for it. Jesus gave us the details because we need them.
One of the most important details Jesus gave about the end of the world is: "By patient endurance you will save your lives" (Lk 21:19). We can persevere through the most savage persecution of the Church ever (see Lk 21:12), through the worst apostasy ever (2 Thes 2:3-12), and through the worst tribulation ever (Mk 13:19) because we have accepted the grace not to be proud but to fear the name of the Lord (Mal 3:19-20). This humble fear of the Lord is the beginning of love (see Dt 6:2-5). "Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Pt 4:8) and leads us through the calamities of the end of the world into perfect, everlasting love in heaven.
The world will certainly end, as Jesus said. Learn what Jesus has revealed about it. Live and persevere in love so as to live forever with the Lord.
Prayer: Father, I want to be ready always.
Promise: "But for you who fear My name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays." —Mal 3:20
Praise: Praise Jesus crucified, risen, and coming soon!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Am I Going to Heaven? on audio AV 54-3 or video V-54.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 30, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 1, 2004