Hope in the End Times

Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,
 when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,
 and the day that is coming will set them on fire,
 leaving them neither root nor branch,
 says the LORD of hosts.
 But for you who fear my name, there will arise
 the sun of justice with its healing rays.
- Malachi 3:19-20a

Brothers and sisters:
You know how one must imitate us.
For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,
nor did we eat food received free from anyone.
On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day
we worked, so as not to burden any of you.
Not that we do not have the right.
Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you,
so that you might imitate us.
In fact, when we were with you,
we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work,
neither should that one eat.
We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a
disorderly way,
by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.
Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly
and to eat their own food.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, "All that you see here--
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."

Then they asked him,
"Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"
He answered,
"See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
'I am he,' and 'The time has come.'
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Then he said to them,
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

"Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
- Luke 21:5-19

In today’s homily, Fr. Chris invites us to confront a reality many avoid: the Church teaches that we are living in the “end times”—not because the world is ending tomorrow, but because public revelation closed with the death of the last Apostle. As the liturgical year ends, the Gospel readings turn our attention to eschatology: the destruction of the Temple, the trials that precede the end, and the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus warns that earthly securities crumble, but the true Temple—His Eucharistic Presence and the soul living in grace—endures forever (cf. 1 Cor 3:16).

Scripture is clear: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). Fr. Chris explains how persecution purifies both the innocent and the guilty in the Church, reminding us that the Church is both divine and human—perfect in her doctrine, yet wounded in her members. Even so, Jesus promises that faithfulness leads to eternal life, even when earthly suffering seems overwhelming.

Drawing on the witness of modern martyrs, especially Christians in Nigeria, Fr. Chris shows that God grants particular graces to those who suffer for the Gospel. Their serenity in the face of death mirrors the peace of the early martyrs, reminding us that Christian hope is not shaken by earthly violence. As Jesus told St. Faustina, He offers the world this “time of mercy” before the time of justice (Diary, 1160). Now is the moment to return to Him with trust.

Whether through persecution, family tensions, daily misunderstandings, or the crosses we quietly bear, Christians are invited to unite their sufferings to the Cross, fulfilling St. Paul’s words: “I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body” (Col 1:24). Remaining faithful in a world of confusion is not fearmongering—it is the path to peace, hope, and eternal life. We belong to a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.