The End Is Near

What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear or read the word apocalypse?  

I had assumed that everyone would say for "end" until my Catholic School educated teenager proved me wrong (once again) by responding; Zombies."   I added the picture to lead you to me desired response. (and because Homer makes me smile.)

Apocalypse comes from the Greek meaning “an uncovering.”  A more useful translation might be “to reveal” as this shows the connection between the apocalypse and the end times described in the Book of Revelation.

Next week begins the part of the liturgical year known as the last Sundays in ordinary time.  The reading for these Sundays focus on themes that relate to Christ's return at the end of time.

I think of these three Sundays as the left side of a hinge which are connected to the right side of the hinge i. e. Advent (the first Sundays of the new church year.)  The hinge itself is the Sunday in between the two:  The Solemnity of Christ the King.  (The hinge itself.) 

While the entire 8 week period may be spread across two different liturgical years each are located in the period of time in which we await Christ's second time.

The themes of judgement and salvation over these next weeks are highlighted by the Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All Souls, both of which occur during within last Sundays of ordinary time.

More on both of these next week.

Blessed to be serving at St.  Mary's,

   Bruce