It's the end of the world as we know it

In today’s first reading (Joel 4:12-21), the prophet Joel continues his vision of the Apocalypse.

The prophecy is terrifying: in utter darkness, the entire earth and sky is shaken and the judgment of God comes with a roar. (News of today's deadly earthquake - may God have mercy on the victims and the survivors - intensifies the terror and the dread.)

But the LORD is a refuge to his people,
a stronghold to the children of Israel.

The prophecy goes on to describe the beauty and peace of the kingdom that awaits God’s faithful people after that dreadful judgment: a kingdom where no one is a stranger, where life is ever fresh, and goodness flows through everything.

We all have our good and bad days, we all have our fears and worries, but in the Lord we have hope that is indescribably wonderful: a hope to strengthen us in our journey in this world as the Lord prepares for us his eternal kingdom.

Blessed be God.