Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

FR MICHAEL BOAKYE YEBOAH

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF KUMASI

THE DAYS ARE COMING

            End-times messages always create mixed-feelings. For some people end-times messages send fear to their spine while for others they are just indifferent to them. But for the righteous, such messages are welcome because the righteous have nothing to fear, rather the end will be the time for them to return home (to heaven). The author of the book of Malachi captures the would-be situation of the various groups very well with the following graphic words: “Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the Lord of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.”

            As much as we need to enjoy the gift of life and all the blessings of goodies that come with quality living, we are being reminded by the Lord that we should not live our lives as if the end will never come. It is part of human nature that at times some people become so obsessed with the vanities of the world that they forget to prepare themselves for the day of judgment. Such may have been the situation narrated to us by St Luke. The inspired writer tells us that “while some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here - the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” The words of Jesus are laced with some prophetic undertones.

            When Jesus gave this prophecy, it was met with mixed reactions from the people. The first group may have been angry with Jesus because the beauty of the temple was the pride of most Jews and they did not want anybody to speak ill about it. For Jesus his message was clear; because it was better for them to prepare themselves rather than get obsessed with earthly things.

            A second group emerged who were more interested in the preparation needed for the salvation of their souls. The inspired writer narrates their reaction to us in graphic words: “…they asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” Such should be our reaction whenever we hear of authentic end-times prophecy. We should not react angrily with men of God because we are going to lose our earthly magnificent buildings and belongings but rather we should ask how we will save our souls.

            In the Christians’ preparations (s)he should note the following things Jesus stressed: deception from false prophets; persecution of the just; and assurance of safety for the just.

            In the first place, it should be noted that “end-times messages” can have the character of creating fear in the hearts of some people. This has created an avenue for some false prophets to prey on the weak in faith and profit financially. On a daily basis some false prophets are making millions. Jesus foresaw this and so he addressed his listeners: “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’”, and ‘The time has come…Do not follow them…” Some people are of the view that “end-times churches” are arguably one of the highest money-making ventures. Owners of these churches do not mind investing thousands of dollars in erecting mighty bill-boards advertising their programs. Jesus has warned us to be on the look-out else we will be misled. The other day someone was telling me that when a man discovered that he was a good orator, he advised him to journey with him to a rich illiterate farming community to establish a church. The person said he was told that if they go with “end-times” messages they will make millions. This fellow asked the man – “what about if the people discover that we are fake men of God…what will they do”? He was simply told that by then they would have made their millions and bolted. Children of God should note that these fake men of God are so many on our streets now and there seem to be no state law controlling them and so one need to be alert and watchful.

            The next important notice Jesus gave was on persecution. Our Lord remarked: “…they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogue and to prison, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony…” The righteous should note that persecution is part of a Christian’s life because as they persecuted our Lord so also will they persecute his followers. But the joy that follows the message of persecution is the assurance of protection that the Lord gives. Jesus states emphatically: “Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute…” Jesus goes on to state how close relations will betray their own folks but he assures the righteous with these warm words: “…but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.” The righteous just needs to persevere to the very end and (s)he will secure his/her life in Christ.

            I would like to beg my dear brothers and sisters not to be indifferent with end-time authentic messages because if Jesus came the first time then he will come again for he does not lie. Keep faith to the very end. OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP, PRAY FOR US.