Suppose a thief plans to rob my house. Do you think he will send me a note verifying that he is planning to rob me next Thursday about three in the morning? Do you think he will also tell me that five minutes before he is going to break into the house, he will beep his horn several times?
In talking about his second coming, Jesus said he would come like a thief in the night. This frustrated people because they wanted to know the day and time of his return, as well as some kind of “beep,” warning of his coming.
We are now approaching the end of the Church year and the Church speaks to us of the last things. In speaking to some people who were admiring the luxurious decorations of the temple, Jesus said (Luke 21:5-11),
“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.”
“Then they asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
It was like asking a thief to give the time and date of his arrival as well as beep his horn before he made his move. Jesus, of course, did not give them the kind of answer they sought. What if he did say, “December 10, 2021, at three in the morning, and God will give a loud beep of Gabriel’s horn before this happens?” Think of how this would sit with the people of his day, knowing that he would not return for over two thousand more years. That’s a long time to wait. Think of how this would sit with people today. Some would be caught up in worry, others would say, “O, I still have a few more weeks to confess my sins.”
Jesus, however, did talk about “signs” that would precede his coming.
“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!”
One of the signs heralding Jesus’ return will be the rise of “imposters” who will exploit the fears and curiosities of people. Imagine the kind of money these false messiahs can make off gullible people. Jesus says emphatically, “Do not follow them!”
“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”
When wars and uprisings begin to break out, this is a first warning. Does Jesus want us to get upset and start worrying about this? He tells us not to be terrified along with those who do not belong to Him.
Finally, he gave two more sets of signs:
“There will be powerful earthquakes, famines and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”
Natural disasters and signs from the heavens will help announce Jesus’ return.
In the meantime, what are we to do? St. Peter spoke to Christians about this.
“Since all these things are to be dissolved, what sort of people out you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God (2 Peter 3:11).
We prepare by resolving to live out our call to holiness. When Jesus will come and what sign he will give are irrelevant. Holiness is what counts!
“Remain faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
