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“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power
and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect
and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
Luke 21:28
This passage above concludes a series of teachings by Jesus on the
suffering and persecution that will come in this world. But His
teachings conclude with this line above, which offers great hope in
anticipation of Jesus’ return in glory. This passage speaks of the
prophetic vision of Daniel (Daniel 7:13–14) that terrified Daniel
when he saw it. He witnessed the great persecution to come, as well
as the destruction of all evil that will accompany the return of
the Son of Man.
When you think about both the final coming of Christ as well as
your own future death, what comes to mind? If you were informed by
an angel that tomorrow would be that day, the day that the Son of
Man would return in all His splendor and glory to bring about an
end to this world and to issue forth His judgment upon it, how
would you react? Would you be terrified? Overjoyed? Hopeful?
Confused? Perhaps a little of each of these reactions would be
present. Of this time, Jesus said that “nations would be in dismay”
and that “People will die of fright in anticipation of what is
coming into the world.” So what is your reaction to this promised
day of our Lord?
Those who “die of fright” are clearly those who will experience
this day completely unprepared. Meeting the Son of Man, the Son of
God, the Savior of the World and the Eternal Judge when you are
completely unprepared should be frightful. Imagine, for example,
that you were hosting a large dinner party and you got your days
mixed up. The day arrived and you weren’t expecting anyone until
the following week, but the guests started to arrive in great
numbers. Imagine your anxiety and embarrassment. Such an experience
would be nothing compared to being unprepared for the judgment of
Christ when we stand before Him at the time of our death and then
at the Final Judgment at the end of the world.
The good news is that on that day, for those who are truly prepared
through a life of faith and selfless service of God’s will, they
are told to “stand erect and raise your heads because your
redemption is at hand.” If you do all you can to prepare for that
day, then it will be a day in which you anticipate with the utmost
hope and excitement. You will indeed be able to stand erect, turn
your eyes to the coming Judge of All, and receive the eternal
reward that He so deeply desires to bestow. But this will be your
experience only if you are truly ready for that day through a life
lived in complete imitation of Christ.
Reflect, today, upon that final day. Imagine every person ever
created standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Every sin and
every virtue will be made manifest on that day. The minds and
hearts of all will be seen in the light as they are revealed to all
by God. And those who have lived lives of fidelity will rejoice as
they see God’s justice and His mercy unite as His judgments are
issued forth. If this day is one that frightens you, consider the
reasons why. If you do not look forward to this definitive moment
in time, then perhaps you need to ponder more deeply those things
you need to do so as to be fully prepared. Prepare yourself today.
Do not wait. Our Lord could return at any time. Do not be caught
off guard.
My eternal Judge, You promise to return to earth at a definitive
moment in time to bring about the fullness of justice. May I always
be prepared for that day through a life lived in union with You and
Your holy will. I pray for that day to come quickly, dear Lord, and
that all Your children will be ready to meet You when You come.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro
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