THE END OF THE WORLD
Introduction: The theme of today's liturgy is the end of the present world and the coming of a new world order. First reading from the book of prophet Malachi speaks about the end of the world as a time of judgement for the evil doers and a day of salvation for the upright. In the Gospel Jesus warns about the end of the world: A time of destruction, terror and persecutions. He assures us His protection and promises us a new world order.
First Reading: Malachi 3: 19 to 20
Second Reading: 2Thessalonians 3: 7to 12
Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 5 to 19
*First Reading is from the book of Prophet Malachi. A vivid description about the end of the world is given. Malachi severely warns the arrogant and those who disobey the Lord God. He gives a message of comfort and consolation to those who fear the Lord God and live upright lives. Hence, for the evil doers, it will be a day of judgement. But for the upright, it will be a day of salvation.
*Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul admonishes all those who in the community live idle lives and are a burden to the community. He gives his own example to be imitated and urges those who idle their lives to work and earn their living.
By your endurance you will gain your lives. Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A detailed description about the end of the world is given. Jesus speaks of the total destruction of the city of Jerusalem and predicts disaster for the rest of the world. In future, there will be nothing left in Jerusalem to admire. He gives us some definite warnings and timelines about the events to unfold: 1. At the end of times, there will be proliferation of pretenders - those who try to deceive people and lead them astray. Jesus warns us not to go after them. 2. There will be wars and nations fighting each other. The possibility of a third world war and total destruction of the world is always on the horizon. 3. Jesus speaks about earthquakes, plagues and famines in various places. We are well aware of the many natural disasters and man-made destructions taking place in different parts of the world. 4. Jesus warns us that His followers will face many persecutions for their faith in the Lord. 5. Finally, Jesus speaks of betrayals - betrayals by friends, family and community. But He assures us that His followers need not worry because, "Not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives." We are asked to take these warnings very seriously in our lives so that we can face the end of the world courageously as and when it takes place. In this context St. Theresa of Avila says: "Anyone who truly loves God travels securely." Richard Bach says: "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly." G. K. Chesterton says: "The end of every episode is the end of the world."
Conclusion: Jesus warns us about the end of the world. Unlike many false prophets, we have to admit that we do not know when it will happen. The kind of world Jesus describes regarding the end, sounds very familiar: wars, revolutions, persecutions of the followers of the Lord. It is indeed comforting that Jesus foresaw all this. We should not be dismayed or surprised. But in all these challenging situations, let us not forget that we are His disciples. Of all the tragedies that take place, betrayal of the Lord and His values would be the most tragic. At the end of times, the greatest threat is not that we might become victims of evil, but rather, that we might lose our identity and lose our sense of mission as Christians.
May the Lord Jesus, who warns us about the end of the world, bless you and give you the strength to face the many trials and struggles and come out victorious to reach the new world. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, November 16, 2025." Thanks.)
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