The Second Coming

Every good story needs a proper ending. Imagine reading an amazing book only to find the last chapter missing! The story of salvation has a spectacular final chapter: Jesus is coming back. Not as a baby in a manger this time, but as the glorious King of the Universe, coming to set everything right once and for all.

What the Church Teaches

The Catholic Church teaches that:

• Jesus will return in glory at the end of time
• He will come visibly - everyone will see Him
• He will judge the living and the dead
• This will mark the end of history as we know it
• It will begin the fullness of God's Kingdom

We proclaim this every Sunday in the Creed: "He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead."

Two Comings, Two Purposes

First Coming (Christmas)

• Came as a baby
• Born in poverty
• Came to serve
• Brought mercy
• Hidden glory
• Suffered and died

Second Coming

• Comes as King
• Returns in glory
• Comes to reign
• Brings justice
• Revealed glory
• Lives forever

What Will It Be Like?

Jesus and the apostles gave us glimpses:

Universal and Unmistakable

"For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man" (Matthew 24:27). This won't be:

• A secret event
• Limited to one place
• Something you might miss
• Open to interpretation

Glorious and Powerful

"They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:30). Picture:

• All of heaven's angels accompanying Him
• Creation itself recognizing its King
• Every knee bowing
• Every tongue confessing Jesus is Lord

Sudden and Unexpected

"Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:44). Like:

• A thief in the night
• Labor pains
• The days of Noah
• Lightning across the sky

The Final Judgment

When Jesus returns, He will judge:

• The living - those still alive at His coming
• The dead - all who have ever lived will be raised
• All nations - every person who ever existed
• Everything - thoughts, words, actions, and omissions

The standard? Love. "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).

Why the Delay?

If Jesus is coming back, why hasn't He returned yet?

God's Patience

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise... but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9). Every day is another chance for:

• Conversion
• Repentance
• Growth in holiness
• More souls to be saved

The Gospel Must Spread

"This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world... and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).

Time to Prepare

God gives us time to:

• Grow in virtue
• Serve others
• Build His Kingdom
• Prepare our hearts

Signs of the Times

While we can't know the exact time, Jesus gave signs to watch for:

• False messiahs and prophets
• Wars and natural disasters
• Persecution of Christians
• Loss of faith in many
• The Gospel preached everywhere
• Great tribulation

Important: These signs have appeared throughout history. They remind us to always be ready.

How Should We Live?

1. Stay Awake

Not literally! But spiritually alert:

• Regular prayer
• Frequent sacraments
• Avoiding sin
• Growing in virtue

2. Work Diligently

The servants in Jesus' parables were busy when the master returned. We should:

• Use our talents
• Serve others
• Build God's Kingdom
• Not waste time

3. Live in Hope

The Second Coming is good news for believers! It means:

• Evil will end
• Justice will prevail
• Suffering will cease
• We'll see Jesus face to face

4. Share the Gospel

If Jesus is coming back as Judge, we should:

• Warn people lovingly
• Share the Good News
• Live as witnesses
• Invite others to faith

5. Don't Fear

"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28).

Common Questions

"When will it happen?" "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only" (Matthew 24:36). Anyone claiming to know the date is wrong.

"What about the rapture?" Catholics believe in Christ's return and our being gathered to Him, but not in a secret rapture separate from the Second Coming. There's one glorious return.

"Should I be afraid?" If you're trying to follow Jesus, no! "Perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). The Second Coming is our blessed hope.

"What if I'm not ready?" That's why we have today! Go to confession, return to Mass, start praying. God's mercy is available until the very end.

Living Between the Times

We live in the "already but not yet":

• Jesus already won the victory
• But not yet fully revealed
• The Kingdom is already here
• But not yet complete
• We're already saved
• But not yet in heaven

This tension keeps us:

• Grateful for what we have
• Hopeful for what's coming
• Active in the present
• Focused on eternity

The Great Hope

Early Christians prayed "Maranatha!" - "Come, Lord!" They weren't scared; they were excited! Why?

• No more tears
• No more death
• No more sin
• Perfect justice
• Eternal joy
• Face to face with Jesus

A Prayer

Lord Jesus, we long for Your return in glory. Help us to live each day ready to meet You, whether You come today or in a thousand years. Keep us faithful, working in Your vineyard, loving our neighbors, and growing in holiness. May we greet Your return not with fear but with joy, saying "Come, Lord Jesus!" Amen.

Your Daily Question

Each morning ask yourself: "If Jesus returned today, would I be ready?" Not perfect - none of us are. But ready:

• In a state of grace
• Trying to follow Him
• Loving others
• Using your gifts
• Growing in faith

The Second Coming isn't meant to terrify us but to motivate us. Every sunset brings us one day closer to seeing the Son rise in glory. Every act of love prepares for Love Himself to return. Every prayer whispers, "Come, Lord Jesus." And one day - maybe today - He will.

Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 668-682