Over the years, hearing about anything Apocalypse-related or about the end of time has given me the shivers. And with today’s passage, this was no exception. However, this year I realized something a little different.

I think Our Lord was also alluding to, simply, being ready. And this, my brothers and sisters, is what I think our religion is about. So, what does this mean and what am I talking about?

If you knew the end of time was coming, how do you become “ready”? One of the biggest questions that you can ask yourself is the following: What would you do with your life, from actions, behaviors, how you treat others, etc. if you knew the end was coming? It’s a question that has profoundly changed my approach to life itself.

How do you grade yourself as a Christian, from how you perceive Catholicism? Do you need to make changes? As they say, it isn’t “too late” to start anything. And if you do, it’s something. Go with it, and see what you can do by making this change. Does it suit you well, does it not? These are things that only you can answer with guidance from God, but have faith that He will lead you to what’s necessary and required.

Knowing your purpose in life is a bigger discussion, and I believe that we are given a talent or multiple talents from God as something to share, with not only your friends and family but for the greater good and society itself. We see this all the time. Shortcomings and flaws aside, see your favorites of a certain skill. For me, as an NBA fan, I can think of Michael Jordan.

If you haven’t unlocked or unleashed a hidden talent, it really is something to think about and explore. Are you depriving not only others of your skills but inhibiting yourself from a world of possibilities?

Or how about doing something that you’ve been wanting to do for what has seemed like “forever”? Again, it’s not too late.

Comment to begin discussion.

Today’s Reading | Mk 13:24-32

Jesus said to his disciples:
“In those days after that tribulation
the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from the sky,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

“And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’
with great power and glory,
and then he will send out the angels
and gather his elect from the four winds,
from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

“Learn a lesson from the fig tree.
When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves,
you know that summer is near.
In the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that he is near, at the gates.
Amen, I say to you,
this generation will not pass away
until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.

“But of that day or hour, no one knows,
neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”