Luke 17:20-25

To get a feel of what people are thinking, one just has to go to the internet. One of the most talked-about topics is the question – Are These the Last Days? Why the question? 

• First, look at the natural disasters: earthquakes, storms, and droughts in one place and so much rain in another place
• Second, there is so much conflict among countries and world leaders
• Third, we have lost our moral compass and hence the confusion, anxiety, and fear
• Fourth, an increase in paranormal activities
• Last but not least, the global pandemic of COVID-19

Even our Catholic Faith have their prophecies on what would it be like on the last days:

• St Francis of Assisi said: Charity will grow old and the malice of the wicked will increase. Further, he said that the devils will have unusual power.
• Blessed Anna Katarina Emmerick said: The Church will be in disarray and will be persecuted. Even the Clergy will teach things not from God. She will have many opponents from the outside and within.
• Sister Faustina Kowalska said: Before Jesus comes there will be darkness and the only light will come from the Cross in the heavens.
• Padre Pio talks about preparing for the three days of darkness.
• Mother Mary in her many apparitions would always say pray, fast, conversion. She also talks about the true Church being persecuted.

Today we celebrate Christ the King. It is the last day in our liturgical calendar. The Church reminds us that Jesus will come again in glory. While we do not know the hour or the day, three things we can do to be prepared: 

1. Always live in the Presence of God.
   • Continue to hear Mass and receive the Holy Communion
   • Do acts of kindness and charity. Go to confession
   • Pray the Rosary
   • Give Prayer importance
   • Remember there is the seen and the unseen in this world. Remember the greatest war that is going on – the spiritual warfare.
      
2. God’s Time is Different from our Time. There are things that we are supposed to do and words that are supposed to be said but we tell ourselves that “there is still time.” The reality is we do not know how much time we have. Make each moment count remembering the words of Christ, “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren.” 
   
3. What Really Matters in Life. Time goes by so swiftly and there are so many distractions in the world. But in the end, we will just leave behind all material things. May we never forget what is important and what is fleeting in life. In other words, the challenge to live with a sense of urgency and vigilance. 

As we continue with our lives, we remember that the past is past and the future is not yet here. The only time we have is the present. May we live life to the fullest.