At the end of the world, there will be terrible suffering. Jesus said: "A time will come when you will long to see one day of the Son of Man but will not see it" (Lk 17:22). "Those times will be more distressful than any between God's work of creation and now" (Mk 13:19).

At the end of the world, many will be confused. "They will tell you He is to be found in this place or that. Do not go running about excitedly" (Lk 17:23). There will be a mass apostasy from faith in the Lord (2 Thes 2:3).

The end of the end will come very quickly. "The Son of Man in His day will be like the lightning that flashes from one end of the sky to the other" (Lk 17:24; see also Lk 17:31).

Whether or not we are alive for the end of the world, it's likely that our future holds great sufferings, times of confusion, and unexpected changes. Therefore, we all need to develop a deep, totally committed, personal relationship with the Lord that is strong enough to withstand anything, even terrible sufferings. We also need to be confirmed in our understanding of the Bible and the teachings of the Church. In times of confusion, we desperately need to be clear about the Truth. Finally, we must not delay doing what the Lord calls us to do. At the end, events will be happening so quickly, we won't have time to do anything. Therefore, we must do it now. Believe, repent, forgive, give, witness, obey, serve, etc. Do it now, for we know not the day or the hour when Jesus will come (Mt 24:36).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Bishop-Elect, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 26, 2011 (for 10-1-2011 through 11-29-2011) and May 26, 2011 (for 11-30-2011)

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