Good News

We come now to the end of the Church year and the readings during the week and also on this Sunday invite us to look at the end times, not only the end of the world, but the last days of our own lives. And, of course, as we consider the end of the world our thoughts naturally turn to the last judgment. In the first reading, the prophet Daniel tells that it is those whose names are “written in the book” who will be saved.

So the question of course, is how to you get your name in that book? How do we ensure a favourable judgment? The easy answer is to live one’s life according to the commandments and teachings of Jesus. The problem is, given our human nature, we fail from time to time, we go our own way, and ignore the Word of God. We turn from what we know is good and right. We turn away from love.

When this happens, we just have to admit our faults and failings, and, turn again and again and again and again to God, opening our hearts and lives to the great miracle and truth of forgiveness. You see, the Last Judgment is not something we should fear. In truth, it is something that we should rejoice in for it marks the finalization of God’s plan for the world. And God’s plan is nothing less than every one of us living with Him for eternity.

But make no mistake about it, in Daniel’s words there will be some who go to “shame and everlasting disgrace.” These are people who totally reject God’s forgiveness and love—they are those who deliberately choose not to seek his mercy. The readings today are not about fear, but once again remind us that in all things, God is with us: gently calling us closer, if only we would accept the gift and the call of His love.

You see, God loves us all and wants each and everyone of us to be saved. THIS is the Good News.

From the beginning of time, there have been people who have tried to guess when the “end” will occur. The gospel is so very certain...no one knows, but the Father. The message of the gospel today is clear: When we live our response (our faith) to God’s love for us, to it’s fullest, all of the other things, either the end of time, or our personal end on earth will make little difference.

You see, sometimes when we focus on this final judgment, we realize the enormity of our own sinfulness and failings and certainly, we cannot ignore this. But we must also remember that the mission of Jesus is to save, and despite our sinfulness, Jesus is constantly calling us through our fear and into love.

As we come to the end of this church year, we are invited to pause and reflect on the end times: that time in which our journey of faith here on earth will end, and we will be invited fully into the Reign of God.

Perhaps this only question today is: Will you accept the invitation, or will you turn away?