When I was still in the high school, I’ve already heard the expression “the end of time”. There were circumstances in my life that sometimes made me feel panic when hearing similar rumors. There were hearsay that Mount Banahaw would explode and the town wiould be covered with water, and so the residents in my town had to pack and shelter in our school, where they could stay safe in higher area. At glance the scenario created fear to all the people in my town who got prepared in advance to bring their personal belongings.

Our gospel reading for this Sunday could bring some fears for those who read. Jesus gives some sign when the end will come. He says, “in those days after the tribulation, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light and even the star will fall from the sky and the power in heavens will be shaken”. Isn’t it really frightening? The passage really provokes fears but at the same time, it reminds us to be prepared for when the end of time will happen, when the Son of man will coming- the 2nd coming of the Lord. The gospel reading also reminds us that our God is in control of everything, even the moment of uncertainty.

So, Jesus use the parable of the fig tree to teach us what we should do, how to be prepared. He teaches us to remain watchful, recognize the sign of God’s work in our lives and in the world. This gospel calls us to live in humility and trust, focused on living the present moment and live a life more meaningfully, for we don’t know when is the end of time.

Perhaps we could look back on the life we live, how are we? How are we living the life that God gave to us? The coming of the Son of man refers to the end of times when the world will end and when we will face judgment before God. Every day, we have the privilege of encountering our God, especially in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. It is the perfect moment where we unite with Him and the whole church – the encounter. Jesus is present in the life of the Church. We encounter Him in every place and moment of our life.

The gospel also points to the fact that our concern should be whether we are ready or worthy when the day comes, for even we know the exact time of His coming, we still be judged according to how we live out our life. Being worthy and prepared for the end of time is not simply based on how much prayer, charities and sacrifices we have done, but it is  about living the Christian way of life. Being good is not only at a certain time but it is living our Christian life 27/7, a full time activity. Therefore we could ask ourselves in this way: How ready are you for your death and judgment day?

Let us be vigilant, steadfast in faith, living with hope and trust in God’s providence. Amen.