The First World War ended in 1918. The frightening of starvation and destruction of the First World War is shocking even today. The Second World War was more terrible and frightening. The war in Ukraine and Near East today frightens us much. Similar are the misery and suffering caused by natural calamities and epidemics which happens time to time. They create helplessness and terrible anxiety. In such helpless situations some people become sick and depressive. Some others are hopeful and trusting in God.
The evangelist Mark writes about a similar situation to the Christians, namely about the horrors of war, catastrophes and about the hardship. He writes also about hope and trust in God, such situations can cause. He writes about the eclipse of the sun and the moon. The Evangelist Mark wrote this text during the Jewish war in the first century and the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, after which the Jews migrated to various continents as refugees and the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Nero.
Thus it was a terrible time not only for the Jews but also for the Christians. In this time of great distress and fear, the evangelist encouraged with the theme of the coming of the Lord and the coming of the kingdom of God and the fulfillment of the promises of Jesus. Â Christians at that time had really believed that Jesus would soon come back and save them from their hopeless situation. This hope and the firm and deep faith in Jesus gave them strength and courage to remain steadfast in their faith and to follow faithfully their life of faith.
Since the experience of the resurrection of Christ Christians live out of the power of this hope and deep faith in God. Just like the people of Israel suffered in the desert and believed in the protection and guidance of the Lord Christian believe in the leadership and guidance of Christ. In the difficult period of suffering and persecution their hope strengthened the Christians.
The Church reminds us in this month of November these thoughts about the difficult and terrible times of the Church and the hope for God’s guidance through all times with the hope of a vibrant future through the readings and their interpretations in the holy liturgy. In the month of November we remember the deceased and pray for a new life with God. The message of hope is for a happy life on earth and life after death.
In November the church year ends with the Feast of Christ the King, which we will celebrate next Sunday. The beginning of the new church year also marks the beginning of a new hope for all our wishes and needs. Hope and confidence are promised by Christ. They help the Christians not only in difficult times of suffering, illness and distress, but also in good times of joy and contentment, because the source of strength and courage is always our hope in Christ. We hope in him, who through his life, death and resurrection has shown us a living hope and lets us feel his presence among us and within us again and again.
Fr. Joseph Pandiappallil MCBS