Thinking About the End Leads to Wisdom
“Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Psalm 90:12). If we know when and how the end will come, we shall live our days with much hope seizing every moment with joy and wisdom. The prophecies of Christ mentioned in today’s Gospel about the destruction of the Temple and other horrible events remind us that there is an end to every thing. Man can build big and beautiful edifices, but all these will be gone as time passes by. Even our good looks, strength, power, and riches will have an end. This is a timely reminder for all of us because sometimes we think that we are in control of everything and that we will be in this world forever. No. God alone, with His love, has no end. Therefore, we need to hold on to our faith in God and stay in His love so that we will attain eternal life with Him.
When we talk about the end, some people would feel afraid because it can come to them at any time and may happen at any place in whatever way. Others are challenged and encouraged to make themselves always ready. Some are indifferent about this. Yet all of us, whatever our feelings are, will have to face this reality. Talking about the end should let us ask ourselves, “What is my aim in life? Where do I want to direct myself to?” Our answer, as Christians and as followers of our Lord is this: to be with God. Who are those people we know are with God? We call them saints. All of us, by virtue of our Baptism, are called to be saints, to be with God, not only at the end of our life but even in the present time. God is always with us (Emmanuel) and is always present in every moment of our life. Are we ready to meet the Lord? Where and how do we encounter Him? We all believe that our Lord will come again at the end of time, yet He is also with us in our daily life. God is present in our families and in our family members, He is at school (teachers and students), He is in the workplace (managers, supervisors, employees), He is in the community and in the church. In the midst of our busy lives, do we recognize His presence wherever we go?
“Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Psalm 90:12). As we continue living our life here on earth let us seize every moment acknowledging and encountering the Lord in our brothers and sisters, in our daily life experiences, and in our very own life. The Lord tells us not to be afraid even in the midst of horrible events happening around. We are to trust in Him. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future, God Himself.
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