Post-feast of the Encounter; Our Venerable Father Boucolus, Bishop of Smyrna; the Holy Priest-Martyr Sylvanus, Bishop of Emessa and Those with Him
Read
1 John 1:8-2:6; Mark 13:31-14:2
Jesus’ teaching about the end of the world is clear – it is coming! But he’s equally clear that we shouldn’t speculate about the timing and circumstances. It’s often tempting to look at political events, natural disasters, and even the deep crisis of the Church and her leaders, and think that the end has surely arrived. Then, as things continue without much change, the hearts of those who expected the imminent return of Christ are slowly dulled to the idea of a coming judgment and final vindication of God’s righteous. We must avoid both extremes: the problem of overeager anticipation of the end, and the problem of a spiritual dullness that makes us complacent.
Instead, we should think of ourselves as servants who have been left in charge of our master’s home. If we are complacent, we will treat his house as if it’s ours – and then, when he suddenly arrives in the middle of the night, after one of our wild parties, there will be hell to pay (literally!). Rather, we have to be watchful, both with prayer and with good works, so that when the Lord comes (at an hour only he knows), we will be prepared to meet him, like the wise virgins who kept their lamps trimmed and ready. Never allow an opportunity to pray slip by; never turn from a beggar, because that may be your last chance to show mercy. By good works and prayer, we can watch for the Lord’s coming, without being overcome by fear and speculations.