Our Venerable Father Macarius of Egypt (c. 390).
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
2 Peter 1:1-10. Mark 13:1-8
Read Mark 13:1-8
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Have we ever thought about how many wars have taken place since the Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord? St. Augustine says, “As to wars, when has the earth not been scourged by them at different periods and places? To pass over remote history, when the barbarians were everywhere invading Roman provinces in the reign of Gallienus, how many of our brothers who were then alive do we think could have believed that the end was near, since this happened long after the ascension of the Lord! Thus, we do not know what the nature of those signs will be when the end is really near at hand, if these present ones have not been so foretold that they should at least be understood in the church. Certainly, there are two nations and two kingdoms, namely, one of Christ, the other of the devil.” (Letters, 199 to Hesychius).
Our Lord says, “this must take place…” because he knows that the kingdom of the devil will try to lash out like a dying wild animal that inflicts as much damage on it’s surroundings before it dies. The kingdom of darkness knows that its time has come to an end. Even this lashing out of darkness the Lord uses for the good. Many saints have conveyed this message of hope by the Holy Spirit that more people are saved in time of war than in time of peace. Those who are inclined towards the Good hold on with faith, hope and great fervency and do not let go no matter the circumstance. During war, so much fervent prayer is offered; so much self sacrifice is given. Those who are inclined towards virtue focus on nothing else. People of faith see the passing nature of this life clearly and focus on the Kingdom of Heaven.
As Christians, we view eternity as the ultimate reality, which holds existence as we know it. This life is so fragile and short; regardless of how our time on this earth ends—it will end and each of us will experience the second coming. All of humanity will participate in that triumphant and glorious moment. For this reason, Christians always live in the end times; regardless, of how many years have passed since the coming of Christ. We are always living one foot in the Kingdom and one foot here on earth: waiting, praying and anticipating the fullness of Christ, which will be inaugurated with the Second Coming. Come Lord Jesus.