We are approaching the end of the liturgical year. Thus, we are listening to reading about the end of the world. Today, we read of the Lukan version of apocalypse. Fr. Milanese celebrated the 11 a.m. mass. He gave us a newer understanding of the meaning of the end of the world.
Jesus' message has never been so clear. When he spoke to outsiders, he used parables. But when he spoke to his disciples, he spoke plainly (Mark 4:34).
Wars, famines, natural disasters and pestilences have always been around for centuries. They will be here to stay until the end but they are not the end, nor the causes of the end. No doubt, life would be difficult and people would long for deliverance. Out of fear and uncertainty, they would easily fall prey to false Messiahs.
And he said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once." (Luke 21:8-9).
Therefore, even if people around you panic about these wars and natural disasters, Christians should maintain your composure because you have been forewarned by Jesus. Don't be cheated by false prophets. Whenever people sell you any panacea to solve your problems, stay alert. Whenever people predict the end for you, remember what Jesus said in Mark.
But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come (Mark 13:32-33).
So far, so good. The interpretation of Fr. Milanese is no more than being traditional. His innovation followed.
Fr. Milanese said that the end of the world has come many times! Human history has gone through many upheavals. Through wars, revolutions, plagues and tumults, new ages are ushered in. The old China of a century ago is no more. In her stead is the Communist China of today. In 1910, on the eve of Chinese Nationalist Revolution, who could have dreamed of a China of today? The old world is finished. We are living in a new world. For people of each age, they live in a new world. Perhaps, that was what Jesus had in his mind, when he made the following claim.
But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.
This will be a time for you to bear testimony (Luke 21:12-13).
It is rather unthinkable for Christians to be arrested and persecuted by kings and governors since the 4th century. Christianity was officially recognized as a state religion in the Roman Empire and in European nations in subsequent centuries. So, how can God's words become obsolete? Are God's words not relevant anymore today?
Rather, in the transition years between ages when the accepted truths and morals are challenged, it will be a time for Christians to bear testimony. They will not be denied this privilege to stand firm to uphold Christian values and principles.
Modern management theories enshrine the maximization of profits. Employers make money at the expense of the welfare of employees. Why? Among the four factors of production, land and capital are inelastic. There is not much room to manoeuvre. In order to maximize their profits, entrepreneurs would resort to the exploitation of the labourers by squeezing their wages. Property developers would build inflated flats to squash the middle class.
The Church has always been opting for the poor since Pope Leo XIII. Therefore, when Fr. Thomas Law passed his verdict on L' Devil, he was only bearing testimony to the teaching of the Church and the Spirit of the Gospel.
Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; ...
for when I was homeless you did not house me ... (Matthew 25:41-43).
Fr. Law, don't be disheartened. Jesus consoles you.
you will be hated by all for my name's sake.
But not a hair of your head will perish.
By your endurance you will gain your lives (Luke 21:17-19).
Dear Lord, we thank You for offering us the opportunity to polish our faith and bear testimony for You. We are honoured to be counted blessed to suffer persecution for Your name's sake. Amen.
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