Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
“The rapture that did not happen.” It is a reference to the failed prediction that the rapture was going to happen September 23-24, 2025. It went viral on social media. The clock was ticking on TikTok. The prediction stemmed from a dream by a South African pastor named Joshua Mhlakela. Supposedly, Jesus appeared to him in a dream and gave him the dates. Millions of people fell for the prediction. Some quit their jobs, some emptied their bank accounts, others gathered in prayer halls, some even created survival havens. September 23-24 came and went. Then, “#TheRaptureThatDidNotHappen” went viral. But Pastor Joshua Mhlakela was unapologetic. He said he had made a mistake. He had based his prediction on the Gregorian calendar instead of the Julian calendar. His new date was October 13. The day came and went and here we are.
Whereas the concept of the rapture is both biblically and theologically unfounded, the Second Coming of Christ is not. We all live in the joyful expectation of the coming of Christ. After all, we still have to understand Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of the temple and the accompanying cosmic signs.
Understanding the Gospel Predictions
The best way to understand today’s gospel is to know that by the time Luke’s gospel is written, the event that Jesus predicted had already passed. The Temple was destroyed in 70 AD as a result of the Roman siege of Jerusalem. Moreover, in 64 AD, following the Great Fire in Rome, Christians had faced brutal persecution under Nero. For the people of the time, it did feel like they were living the apocalypse. In other words, Jesus’ predictions about the temple and the cosmic signs are best understood not as predictions of a future rapture but rather as a faith-interpretations of the signs of the time.
In this context, Luke sought to assure his community with hope. Luke draws the attention to Jesus words, “When such things happen, do not be terrified” (Lk 21:9). And again, “Don’t prepare your defense for I myself will give you wisdom in speaking” (21:14-15). And again, “Not a hair on your head will be destroyed” (21:18). But there are also words of caution. Jesus says, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name saying, ‘the time has come.’ Do not follow them” (21:8). This is particularly relevant in light of the most recent prediction of the rapture.
Guide for Christian Living
Unlike the rapture, the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ is biblically and theologically valid. The fact is that someday our personal lives and indeed the created world will see dramatic changes. When such things do happen, Jesus says, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives” (Lk 21:19).
The lesson we can draw from all of this is simply this - that nothing is permanent. Change is unchanging. I will be sixty this coming February. These days, each day I see a change. I don’t like what I see but the important thing is that we know how to navigate change. To not come to terms with change is to put too much emphasis on that which is impermanent.
The perseverance that Jesus talks about means that we must be wise about that on which we place eternal value. When change happens, we need not be terrified, deceived, or succumb to false predictions. Rather, it is by our perseverance that we will secure our lives.
“By Your Perseverance!”
If perseverance is the key, how can we be a people of perseverance? There are many practical steps to suggest but let me propose 3 things:
Prayer
We often find Jesus pulling himself away from the crowds and his disciples to pray. His prayer kept him plugged-in to his Father. In his darkest moment - facing violent opposition, in Gethsemane, and finally on the cross he relied on his Father. Deep Intimacy with God is critical to a life of perseverance. For us, our personal spirituality and the Sacramental life is the way develop this intimacy and communion with God. Perseverance is not possible without prayer and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
Focus on Origin and Destiny
Jesus often spoke about where he came from and where he was going. He always kept his origin and destiny always in focus. As a faith community, we have the privilege of being aware of our origin and our destiny. Especially when darkness surrounds us, we remember that God is our origin, and that God is our destiny. As Jesus reminds us today, “Every hair on our head will be destroyed” (Lk 21:18).
Only Doing Good
The above two steps are internal dispositions. These internal dispositions need external actions to help with a life of perseverance. Jesus whole life was a life of doing good. And because he did good all his life, his end became a supreme good. Not only did he forgive his murderers from the cross and welcomed a repentant criminal into paradise, he gave up his life for human redemption. Similarly, the best way for us to persevere is to spend our lifetime doing good.
In a few moments from now, the One who is our origin and our destiny – Jesus Christ - will be on this altar. Along with the bread and wine that we offer, let us place our life into His hands.
- Fr. Satish Joseph