In the Creed, we pray, “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end.†Later we pray, “I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.†It is these beliefs that we profess in today’s readings. We tend to pray these rather easily but they are full of mystery. This mystery has fascinated people over the ages, especially at times of disaster or on significant dates like the year 2000 – perhaps it will be the same in the year 2222. We believe that Christ will come in glory and that the dead will be raised. We also believe that at our death we will be judged according to how we have lived and so we are called to be vigilant in our actions. We trust in a loving and compassionate God, and believe that through our good actions and faith we will be prepared to meet God, and believe that through our good actions and faith we will be prepared to meet God at death. In today’s Gospel we are told that the angels will be sent to gather together the people so that the Lord may judge and welcome home those have chosen to follow Him. We are also assured that the promises of Jesus will endure for ever. The coming of spring and the budding of the fig tree remind us of new life breaking into the old, of life coming from what seems like death. In a similar way the paschal mystery reminds us that Christ breaks into death by His resurrection. While the image of Michael the archangel sending those who have been unfaithful to destruction is very frightening, we can be assured of the Lord’s mercy for those who call upon His name, repent and believe in Him.
Today’s readings remind us of the last judgement, the second coming and the promise of heaven or hell. During the month of November we have prayed for the dead, and today’s liturgy helps us to renew our hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. The readings also act as a wake-up call before the season of Advent. We are invited to get our act together so that we can more deeply welcome Christ into our lives, in our prayer, in listening to God’s word, in the sacraments and by sharing our love with others, by actions such as visiting those who are sick, bereaved or lonely. Jesus shows us the way of life. How, this week, can we follow His way more closely?