Does it matter if we are living in the end times?

Joannie WatsonIs it the end of the world as we know it? If it is, as the song goes… I feel fine.

Each year as the liturgical year comes to a close, our readings are filled with themes like judgment, the end of the world, and being prepared. This weekend, it might be easy to focus on things like the sun darkening or stars falling from the sky. The phrase in the the first reading, “a time unsurpassed in distress,” might send our thoughts racing. 

Rather than thinking about the wise shining brightly or some living forever, or instead of remembering that “no one knows” of the day Jesus speaks, thinking of the end of the world and judgment can bring us anxiety and consternation.

I have had several people ask me over the last few weeks if I believe we are living in the “end times.” My first answer, in the eyes of Scripture and Church history, is yes. We have been living in the end times since Christ ascended to the Father. But that’s not what they are referring to, naturally. They expect and deserve a better response. …