Yes, the end is coming
The jokes were flying last week concerning fundamentalist radio preacher Harold Camping’s claim that the world was going to end on May 21. We’re not sure why some people can’t accept Jesus’ own words in the Gospel of Matthew that “no one knows the day or the hour” of his return, but we suppose predictions of “the end” make good headlines — and billboard signs.
We doubt, however, that anyone in Joplin, Mo., is laughing about the end times after a tornado ended so many lives and lifestyles the following day. It’s probably not too funny in other U.S. communities devastated by this spring’s storms, either. Or in Japan, still recovering from the earthquake and tsunami .
Monday is Memorial Day, another reminder that our time on this planet is short and precious. Yes, the end is coming, but likely our days will end before the world’s. And as those in disaster areas know, it can happen in the blink of an eye.
So let’s have our souls ready by staying close to Jesus through the sacraments and serving others. A good way to do the latter this week would be praying for Joplin’s victims and donating to relief efforts. Here are two links. — Thomas J. Dermody
