As we are getting to the end of the Liturgical Year and also approaching the last month of the civil year, the Church wants us to reflect on “End Time”. The phrase “End Time” is been used by many religious bodies to instill unnecessary fear into the mind of people.

This should not be the case, because in our normal daily lives, we always look with expectation, filled with hope and signs of achievement, full of courageous sacrifices to the end of every stage of our lives.

Our first reading today, is a very crucial passage, due to the fact that, for the first time in the Scriptures, the resurrection from and of the dead is mentioned. The book of Daniel revealed to us that, there will be the resurrection of those who remain true and faithful to God. The key words here are “remain true and faithful”. Here we see that our lives here on earth is never ended but continued in the hereafter, because our source and our being comes from God the author and giver of life. Thus, our hearts should not be at rest until they rest in God. Our faith in the resurrection of the dead, shows us that death is powerless and that God will never desert those who love God and do God’s will.

The second reading shows us that God out of the infinite love for us, became Man like us in Christ Jesus, to reversed the disobedience of Adam through the act of loving obedience of Christ Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is a prove and evidence of this supreme loving of God for humanity.

The Gospel gives us a strong assurance of trust and faith in God. We should not be afraid of the present and of the “End Time”. Our key words are Trust and Faith in God. These must be accompanied with Love of God and Love of our neighbors. St. James called it; Faith with Good works, with these we are assured of a blissful eternal world. Don’t be afraid, have Faith and Trust in God.   

Fr Jerome Otitoyomi. Dukiya CSSp.