Around the time I was entering high school in the mid 1990s, there was a series of books that become rather popular called the “Left Behind” series. These books were fictionalized narratives of the so-called End Times—what the world might be like and what events might take place prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the end of time.
Several of these books spent time on the New York Times Bestseller List, and they were particularly popular among Evangelical Christians. The series was even adapted into several films, graphic novels, and video games.
I don’t think they made quite the splash in Catholic circles, as the books espouse theology that Catholics find problematic. Nevertheless, their popularity in this country says something about a fascination and Christian concern with the end times.
The end times---they are a common theme in Scripture, and there is a field of theology which includes the study of the end times called Eschatology. Eschatology considers topics like death, judgment, purgatory, hell, heaven, and eternal life. Eschatology looks to scripture passages like our readings today. Daniel’s description of the separation of the wicked from the righteous at the end of time, and Our Lord’s description of the celestial events proceeding his second coming, help us gain theological understanding of God’s plan for what will happen at the conclusion of salvation history.
Now, the “Left Behind” series is not the first example of modern fiction to take on these subjects. In fact, there was a book at the turn of the 20th century written by a Catholic priest, Monsignor Robert Benson, called “The Lord of the World” which centers on the rise of an antichrist figure and his plans against the Church prior to the end of the world. Both Pope Benedict and Pope Francis have called Msgr. Benson’s book prophetic. I found it captivating. So, if you want some good Catholic eschatological fiction, pick up a paper or audio copy of Monsignor Benson’s “The Lord of the World.”
But while fiction can give us an imaginative window into the end times, it is important that we ground our understanding in the truth of God’s Word and the teachings of the Church. So what are some lessons about the End Times from today’s readings?
Let’s begin with Daniel. The prophet speaks of a time of great distress—a tribulation unlike anything experienced since the beginning of nations. So God’s word foretells a terrible global turmoil prior to the end. Daniel also delivers a promise of hope: “Your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book.” No earthly disaster can separate us from God. The righteous shall live forever.
“Some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace.” Here Daniel foretells the eternal separation of the righteous and the wicked. In the end, each and every person every to have existed will be judged by God. The righteous—those who align themselves with God’s will—will “shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament.” And those who fail to align themselves with God will be an eternal disgrace. Could you imagine a worse fate? To be considered in the eyes of God a disgrace as a human being--due to squandering the opportunity at eternal life in God's presence.
This passage certainly invites us to live lives of wisdom and holiness now, knowing our choices have eternal consequences.
Turning to the Gospel, Lord Jesus paints a dramatic picture of the end times: the sun darkens, stars fall, creation comes to an end as the Son of Man of man’s second coming. The imagery is stark, yet it’s not meant to terrify us. Instead, Jesus urges us to be vigilant. He uses the example of the fig tree: just as its budding branches signal the arrival of summer, so too will signs point to His coming. However, the key takeaway is this: “Of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
It’s not for us to know when the end will come. Rather, our task is to live each day as if it could be the last, rooted in faith and trust in God’s providence. Speculation and fear over the specifics of the end times are distractions from what truly matters: how we live our lives here and now.
So, what practical advice can we draw from these readings?
Firsly, we are to Live with an Eternal Perspective: Daniel’s vision reminds us that our actions have eternal consequences. Do we live in a way that reflects our hope in the resurrection? Do we live just lives—giving to God what belongs to God and neighbor what belongs to neighbor, helping others to know God’s love, and shining as lights in the world?
Secondly, we are to Cultivate Vigilance and Readiness: Jesus’ parable of the fig tree teaches us to stay attentive. This doesn’t mean living in fear but being spiritually prepared. Regular prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, and daily acts of charity help us remain ready for Christ’s coming—whether at the end of time or the end of our lives.
Thirdly, we are to Trust in God’s Timing: We are reminded that “no one knows” the day or hour. Trying to predict the end times distracts us from our true mission. Instead, trust in God’s plan and use each moment as an opportunity to grow in holiness.
Lastly, we are to be a Witness to Hope: The end times can sound frightening, but for Christians, they are ultimately about the fulfillment of God’s promises. When we speak of the end, we should do so with hope, knowing that Christ’s return will bring something greater. “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what is in store for those who love God”. So we are to share our hope with those around us, especially in a world that often seems dark and uncertain.
The end times are not meant to paralyze us with fear, nor are they simply a fictional idea. Rather, the Church presents us with these readings to help us ensure that we are ordering our lives according to what matters to God—to help us get our priorities straight.
Are you prepared for the end? Being prepared means that we have confessed our sins and that we are doing everything we can to trust God and fulfill our vocations as Christians.
Daniel says, “those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.” Here is a call too, to ensure that we are doing everything we can to lead others to Jesus, through our prayers, our example, our witness.
To be prepared for eternity, we are to live each day with an eternal perspective, prepared for the moment when we meet our Lord face to face, at our own end and judgment, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
