As the Church’s year nears its end, we hear at Mass certain biblical selections that are known as, “apocalyptic.” In popular culture, “apocalyptic” is connected with the “end of the world.” However, don’t for a single second be swept away by fear inducing rapture nonsense – it’s pure rubbish and no where to be found in Sacred Scripture.

In the Bible, “apocalyptic” means “unveiling” or “removing the veil.”

Think back to the curtain being unveiled by Toto in The Wizard of Oz. As the curtain is unveiled, the true meaning of the situation is discovered.

“Apocalyptic” parts of the Bible show us something that we normally do not recognize and understand. These Scripture verses are meant “to take way the veil” so that we can see the true meaning of our situation.

In the First Reading from the Book of the Prophet Malachi [(Malachi 3:19-20a) we hear a few short biblical verses that, in style, are “apocalyptic”:

“Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire…” (3:19).

Listen carefully as the prophet Malachi continues: “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays” (3:20).

This is typical “apocalyptic” rhythm: bad news and good news, and the good news has the last word.

In today’s Gospel Reading (Luke 21:5-19), we hear a few more “apocalyptic” verses. One by one by one, Jesus tears down the things of this world in which people foolishly rely for security and fulfillment. In no uncertain terms, Jesus tells us that worldly things – no matter how impressive, how mighty and how charismatic – will not give us lasting security and ultimate fulfillment.

Casting his gaze upon the Temple, the most magnificent structure to be seen, Jesus says: “The days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down” (Luke 21:7).

Nothing we build lasts forever.  Some day, everything collapses into rubble. Some day, all worldly powers and all political arrangements unravel and end.

Jesus continues: “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!“ (v. 9).

In our day, there is no shortage of people who claim to have “it” and be “it” – e.g. pop stars, political leaders, charismatic types. In more recent times, there even arises wildly popular personalities called “influencers.”

Jesus’ words need not be unveiled because they are crystal clear: every person and every group claiming to be “it” is a false Messiah. Do not follow them!

So, if we can’t place our security in buildings and people, what are we to do?

Jesus answers our desperate cry: “By your perseverance you will save your lives” (v. 19).

• Persevering in the Way of Jesus
• Persevering in the Truth of Jesus
• Persevering in the Life of Jesus

Everything worldly, however spectacular and however powerful and however popular, comes and goes.

Christ Jesus alone remains. Christ Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.