Michelangelo, The Last Judgment (detail), 1536–1541, Fresco
(13.7 m × 12 m),
Sistine Chapel (Vatican City, Rome).
...
This
is a Sunday, almost at the end of Ordinary Time, that we could call "A good time to set up our convictions".
Throughout the liturgical year we have been hearing different ways in which the
Lord explains things to his apostles. The apocalyptic discourse that we find in
the gospel today wants to offer some convictions that should nourish our hope.
We must not understand them literally, but try to discover the faith contained
in those images and symbols that today we find so strange. First conviction: Humanity’s exciting history will one day come to
an end. The “sun,” which indicates the succession of years, will go out. The
“moon” that marks the rhythm of the months will no longer shine. There will not
be days and nights any more, no more time. Moreover, “the stars will be falling
from the sky,” the distance between heaven and earth will be wiped out, there
will be no more space. This life is not forever. The definitive Life, spaceless
and timeless, will arrive one day. We will live in God’s Mystery. Second conviction: Jesus will return
and we, his followers, will finally be able to see the face they long for;
“they will see the Son of Man”. The sun, the moon and the stars will go out,
but the world will not be left without light. Jesus will be its light forever,
bringing in truth, justice and peace to our human history so enslaved by
abuses, injustices and lies. Third
conviction. Jesus will bring with him God’s salvation. He comes with the
great and saving power of the Father. His appearance is not threatening, let's
not think on judgments and condemnations. Jesus comes to “gather his elect,”
those who wait with faith and hope for their salvation, and finally, Fourth
conviction: Jesus’ words “will not pass away. They are not going to lose
his saving strength. They must keep nurturing the hope of his followers and the
spirit of the poor. It is very heartfelt to know that we are not walking toward
nothingness and emptiness. God’s embrace awaits us, and the prize we will
receive –the crown of glory that does not wither-will be forever • AE
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