As we approach the end of the liturgical year our attention is turned not only to the conclusion of 2020 but also towards the conclusion of all things. As Christians we believe that the end of all things will be heralded by the return of Jesus. In this we are in the same position as the Early Christians. Like them, however, the delay in that return can be cause for disquiet or even doubt. Jesus had said he would rise again and he did. He said that he would return and he hasn't. Does that mean that he did not rise either? Maybe its all a scam?! Maybe the militant atheists and mockers are right? If so then the words of St Paul are true: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." (1 Cor 15: 17) It is comforting, therefore, to hear today what Jesus said to his disciples about his coming in glory: "Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour," (Mtt 25: 13) From the beginning Christians have had to understand that the end of all things, including the return of Christ Jesus. would happen in God's time. We need not worry about that. Rather, we need to be concerned about our own readiness to live the mission that Christ has given us and and have the "oil" of good deeds and faith topped up so that when he comes again he will find us occupied with the work of the gospel. "And just so it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgement, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Heb 9: 27-28)
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