Are we nearing the end times?
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November 15, 2025Last weekend, my heart was filled with worries and was anxiously waiting and kept on updating myself about the situations in the Philippines because of the typhoon that was about to have its landfall and my home province was seen as one of those parts who will be greatly affected. Just weeks ago, a series of strong earthquakes have also struck the different parts of that archipelago. Many parts who were affected were still on the process of recovering when another strong typhoon struck and flash floods caused a lot of lives and properties lost. Still yet recovering, here comes another one dubbed as“super typhoon” made its way to that small country.One of my relatives in the Philippines, having in mind all these series of catastrophic events asked me, “Are we nearing the end times father?”
As we come near the end of ordinary time in our liturgical calendar and about to enter the season ofAdvent, our readings this weekend give us a glimpse about what to expect when the end of days comes and remind us the ways on how we prepare best to meet the Lord. However, whenever we talk about the end times, we could hardly hide our mixed feelings. Some would want to hear and to know more about it, others would not want to talk nor hear something related with it; still others would not care.
In the Gospel, the disciples wanted to know more details when Jesus mentions the apocalyptic events, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" they asked. Jesus’ answer to them is what we ought to hear as well, "See that you not be deceived…”
We want to focus at these things, predictions and catastrophic events around us and would interpret them as “the signs” that tell us the end is near. Even the persecutions of Christians around the world would also be treated as part of those signs. Everything is focused on the apocalyptic proclamations ofJesus and so what we usually feel is fear. Seldom that we take a look on the assurances of Jesus,“I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute,” Jesus said, just as he also boldly assures us, “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.”
This is our hope, by our perseverance in faith, God assures us that he holds our future in his hands, in his heart our salvation. For us who believe in the power of God’s love and mercy, the end times is not something we fear of but must face with confidence,“But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays” says prophetMalachi in our first reading. An assurance that although there might be sufferings, what awaits us is the rays of God’s healing love. We await that fullness of life in joy when the Lord comes, singing as the psalm proclaims, ìThe Lord comes to rule the earth with justice!î