Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator
Apocalyptic literature is very much the bill of fare during the last two weeks of the liturgical year. For the past week and a half we have been reading from the Book of Revelation. Today we are treated to Luke's version of the apocalypse. For some people this kind of literature strikes fear in the heart and mind. For others it provides a platform for invoking the punishment and judgment of God upon the world and its inhabitants. Others see it as prophetic; namely, predicting the future.
The occasion for Jesus' proclamations in today's Gospel passage is a visit to the Temple of Jerusalem which was, by most accounts, one of the most beautiful structures of the world. The men who were responsible for its design and its decoration were revered, and the building itself was a source of national pride. It also gave the people a sense of security as their faith told them God dwelt within its confines. Its destruction in 70 A.D. (approximate date) was, therefore, viewed as a national calamity.
Consider then that the Gospel of St. Luke as well as the Book of Revelation were almost certainly written after this cataclysmic event. Drawing upon Greek philosophy, which taught that the birth of new historical eras were preceded by times of terror and travail, the sacred authors viewed such events as signs of the end of the world.
Nothing has changed. Certain individuals and groups still look at events such as the tsunami of New Year's Day a few years ago, the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001, the recent hurricane that hit the east coast of our country, and any of a host of other such events as signs that our world is about to come to an end.
The point of apocalyptic literature is not to predict events. It is, rather, a warning for us to be ready for Christ's return and the end of this world no matter when He appears. Such literature is meant to heighten our awareness for the need to be focused on the priorities of our faith. As each year passes, our sensibilities are lulled into a torpor that makes it difficult for us to avoid complacency.
So at this time of the year, the Church gives us a very simple lesson: "Wake up and smell the coffee brewing." Jesus will return.