Apathy and terror

Some people are terrified by the future: the specter of environmental disaster, the threat of mass destruction at the hands of terrorists, the inevitability of global catastrophe, and the inescapable Judgment Seat of God.

Other people are apathetic about the future, burying fears, prudence, and morality together under a slagheap of pleasure-seeking.

Both of these extremes are present in today’s readings: from the anguished prophet in the first reading (Daniel 7:15-27) to the carousers on the edge of doom in the Gospel (Luke 21:34-36).

You and I need to open ourselves to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to heed well his words:

Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, be merciful to me – a sinner.