Wars and Rumors of Wars 

   “You will hear of wars and reports of wars; see that you are not alarmed, for these things must happen, but it will not yet be the end.” (Matt 24: 6) 

   After Mass and breakfast this morning I went to nearby Shalom Park to walk among the trees and bushes.  The park lives up to its name; it is a peaceful place to spend some time in contemplation of God and His creation.

   As I walked a man I didn’t know came alongside and we struck up a bit of a conversation.  He started by saying that there are many people in history who knew that peace is what is needed, but the world has been at war practically since its beginning.  He expressed his doubt that wars will ever cease and that our wars will eventually destroy the world.

   While I agree with his premise that wars will continue, I disagree that they will destroy the world.  I firmly believe that the world can only be destroyed by God.  Some may disagree, but my faith tells me that God created it and only He will determine how and when it will be destroyed.

   People have often tried to determine when the end will come, but to no avail.  “But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.  For as it was in the day of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matt 24: 36 – 37)

   The destruction of the world will come, of that there is no question.  However, instead of worrying about how or when, we need to accept the fact and prepare our souls for that great and glorious day when our Lord will come again in glory.  “He has a name written on his cloak and on his thigh, “King of kings and Lord of lords.’” (Rev 19: 16)