Mark Shea, Words of Encouragement

He is Coming Soon!

October 1st, 2009 by Mark Shea Print This Article Print This Article ·

Revelation 22:20

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The parousia or “coming” of Christ has many meanings. It means not only his Final Coming in judgment and salvation at the end of time, but his coming in judgment in AD 70, his coming for each of us at the hour of our death, and his coming to us in the sacraments — particularly the Eucharist. All of these acts of judgment and mercy point to the ultimate act of judgment and mercy which shall be unveiled when the new heaven and the new earth are revealed on the Last Day. The way we prepare for that Last Day is to trust God’s gift of mercy in Jesus, do the right thing, receive the sacraments, and live one day at a time for Jesus. That may seem ordinary or mundane, but it’s exactly what the Coming One said to do. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Mark Shea is Senior Content Editor for Catholic Exchange and a weekly columnist for the National Catholic Register. You may visit his website at www.mark-shea.com check out his blog, Catholic and Enjoying It!, or purchase his books and tapes here.

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"By What Authority?: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition"

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"Behold Your Mother: An Evangelical Discovers the Blessed Virgin Mary

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  • ronpilgrim

    I agree, Mark, and thanks for that encouragement! We are to wait expectantly, be alert and pray unceasingly, working always to stay connected to Him, knowing the Holy Spirit is with us, inside of us and outside, leading us to our final home in Heaven. Amen.