WORDS OF LIVING WATERS DAILY INSPIRATION

ALL THINGS SHALL PASS AWAY EXCEPT GOD’S WORD

(Malachi 4:1-2, Psalm 98, 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12, Luke 21:5-19)

The readings of the latter part of the liturgical year draws our attention to the second coming of Christ, and the fact that we have to be prepared at all times. But more so they call on us to work for our salvation, so that you and I can be part of the elect. Again, we are reminded that we are only pilgrims on this earth, who are journeying towards our heavenly home. My dear friends, whether we like it or not this world would one day come to an end. And we shall face our maker to be judged according to how we live our lives on this earth. The only thing that should bother us always in our lives is how to attain salvation at the end of our lives on this earth. The readings also point out to us that there is an end to everything on this earth with the exception of God’s kingdom. Even the kingdom of the devil would one day come to an end. Whatever has a beginning, definitely has an end. Which is a message of hope for us Christians.

The first reading from the prophet Malachi reminds us of the bad end of evildoers. The prophet indicates that those people shall be destroyed completely. In other words, they shall not have a happy end. He was therefore calling on the people to repent from their sins so that they can be saved at the end of time. But for the good people, they shall be saved according to the promise of God. “But for you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings” Mal 4:2a.

The gospel reading deepens our theme for today. Some people were admiring the magnificent nature of the temple. But Jesus pointed out to them that the nice building they are admiring will one day be destroyed. The most important thing is, working for our salvation whiles we are on this passing earth. But the truth is that most of us forget about this, and rather focus on this passing material world. Jesus points out certain terrifying events which will precede His coming from the clouds with His angels to judge the living and the dead. He shall gather His elect from all walks of life on this earth. Everything on this earth would one day come to an end except the Word of God. But that end is only known to God, hence the need for us to be vigilant and prepared at all times. There shall be a lot of false prophesies concerning His coming, but He cautions us not to follow those people.

My dear friends, we should be aware that one day we would die. No one would turn into a stone on this earth. Death is inevitable for all humanity; no one can escape its sting. This should always be at the back of our mind and cause us to always work for our salvation. Because that is the most important thing in our lives. All other things are to help us to achieve this primary goal as children of God. We do not have to lose focus on this Christian goal but to be strengthened at all times to work for it. Some of us behave as if death is not part of our human existence. We live our lives as if there is no judgment. We should not be deceived because it might be too late for us to change if we finally realise it. “And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment” Heb. 9: 27. There would be a day of reckoning for you and I. But the question is, are you sure if you die today, you would be saved?

Jesus again points out that, people will take undue advantage of these happenings and put fear in people. We all believe that definitely the world will one day come to an end. As to when that will happen you and I don’t know (Mat 24:36). But some people have taken it upon themselves and causing unnecessary fears and panic among people. This is something that some of us are against. The preaching about the immediate nature of the end time is not now. Even the apostle Paul did more than what this people are doing (1 Thessa 4: 13-5:1-11). The people of Thessalonica thought that the coming of Christ was so imminent, so some of them saw no need to work and gain any material possessions. Because after all everything will be destroyed, and it will be a waste of time. It is from this background that Paul encouraged them in the second reading of today to go on with their work and eat from their labour (2 Thessa 3:10-12). From the study of church history, we are told that the early Christians also had the same notion. So, they were not making any efforts to leave anything down for other generations. Until they were hit by the reality that the coming of Christ was not as they thought, before they started making efforts to gather materials and other stuff for generations to come. And that is how come you and I are having the scriptures and the other Christian materials today. The fact is that, when you die, the world comes to an end for you but not for others. And that is what we Catholics call Particular Judgement. But we believe that one day the whole world will come to an end ( and that is what we call General Judgement). For that day can come at anytime just like the day of our death. But for someone to come and tell us that the world is coming to an end 2000 or 2010 or 2020 is a false message, which is not from God. We should rather focus on preaching the message of repentance and entreat the people to live good lives, so that they can be prepared at all times. Let them know that heaven and hell are real, hence the need to be prepared at all times. Some of us who are so obsessed about this end time crusade will die and hundreds of years will come but the world will still be there.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” Matt 6:19-21. Jesus is encouraging us to store up treasures in heaven, where our salvation is assured. These material things will pass away and you will not see them again. Haven’t we been seeing people losing all their properties? Some even lose their lives alongside the properties, but at the end the most important thing is their salvation. “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? Matt 16:26. Just ask yourself, if I have all the material things in this world, but at the end miss heaven, what will be my profit? It will be a pathetic situation for you and l if we find ourselves in such situation. But some of us don’t even think about this, not even once. All we know is money, cars, houses, clothing, land, motor, and the list goes on. Please think about your salvation okay. And stop grabbing material things left and right. One day, you will die and leave them.

Jesus assures us that we should not be occupied with fear when these terrifying things are happening. We should only be calm and trust Him, whiles we keep on with our good works. Some people were even saying that the Covid-19 was a sign of the end of the world, whiles some are also pointing to the global economic crisis as a sign of the end of the world. But all these will pass, and the world will still be there. As Christ said, we shall go through a lot of tough times, but our endurance will win us our lives (Lk 21: 19).

Brethren, we need to work on our salvation, it is not received on a silver platter like the head of John the Baptist. Do not wait and meet your maker and ask for a second chance that will be too late for you. The only time you have is now. May the Holy Spirit our Helper grant us the grace to live lives worthy of us as people of faith waiting for our Redeemer. AMEN. 

YOU WILL DIE ONE DAY. BE PREPARED. 

HAVE A BLESSED SUNDAY AND A FAVOURED WEEK AHEAD.

REV. FR. AKAKPO MATTHEW