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Subtitles -
Dear brothers and sisters, in this fourth and final video, we will reflect on the meaning of “the coming.”
The First Coming: Historical
First, we look at the historical coming, the first coming foretold by the prophets:
"The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel."
At the fullness of time, a child was born in the manger of Bethlehem. This historical birth marks the first coming—when God came to us as a small, weak child, needing a mother’s care and a father’s protection.
The Second Coming: Future Judgment
The Bible also speaks of a second coming: Jesus’ return at the end of time as the Just Judge. He will come on the clouds to judge the living and the dead based on their deeds:
- “For I was hungry, and you gave me food, or you did not.”
- “I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, or you did not.”
- “I was naked, and you clothed me, or you did not.”
- “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, or you did not.”
- “I was in prison, and you visited me, or you did not.”
On the last day of judgment and at the moment of our death, we will be judged by the measure of our love. The first coming, marked by compassion, humility, and meekness, contrasts with the second coming, which will be marked by might and majesty.
The Middle Coming: Grace in the Present
Between the first and second comings, there is a “middle coming” of Jesus Christ in the present moment. Every Sunday, we experience this as the coming of Grace. Jesus comes to the community of believers, speaking through liturgical readings and homilies, reminding us of His love and what He asks of us for our good and salvation.
He also comes through the seven sacraments:
- In Baptism, He sanctifies us, adopts us as children of God, and makes us members of His Church and heirs of the Heavenly Kingdom.
- Through Confirmation, He bestows the Holy Spirit with seven gifts, helping us bear abundant fruit.
- In the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, He forgives and reunites us with the Father.
- Through Holy Orders and Marriage, He blesses and sustains vocations.
- Especially in the Eucharist, Jesus becomes truly present among us, offering Himself for our nourishment and strength.
Living in the Present to Prepare for the Final Coming
Dear brothers and sisters, to prepare for Christ’s final judgment, let us unite ourselves with Him now by listening to His Word and embracing the grace offered through the sacraments. By being faithful friends to Him in the present moment, we will face the end of our lives and the last judgment with hope and confidence.
When the righteous and merciful Judge meets us, we will hear Him say:
"Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy."
A Promise Fulfilled
How beautiful it will be to hear these words at the end of our earthly journey and time itself! This promise is made possible by Christ’s first coming 2,000 years ago, His continued presence in grace today, and His return at the end of time.
"What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love Him."
Amen.
