When was the last time you thought about Jesus' final coming? When did you last consider the end of the world? Our Lord wants us to look for His final coming and to be always ready for it (see Mt 25:13). Therefore, we should be thinking of it frequently.

Because of our love for Jesus, we are not depressed but excited when we think of His final coming. Therefore, we should be trying to hasten His coming by repenting, evangelizing, and interceding. Often we bide our time, procrastinating in our efforts to repent, evangelize, and intercede. We can be too "patient" with ourselves, thinking that there is always tomorrow or next year. We, who are quite patient with our own efforts, are often at the same time impatient with God's lack of progress. We wonder why God hasn't renewed our church, stopped abortion, and eliminated starvation. However, God delays because we haven't moved fast enough ourselves. The reason the Lord hasn't already come back is because "He wants none to perish but all to come to repentance" (2 Pt 3:9). Thus, if we repent and help others to do the same, we will hasten His return.

"So, beloved, while waiting for this, make every effort to be found without stain or defilement, and at peace in His sight. Consider that our Lord's patience is directed toward salvation" (2 Pt 3:14-15).

May our voices, hearts, and lives cry out: "Maranatha!" Come, Lord Jesus! (Rv 22:20)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert A. Stricker, December 13, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 2003