As the Liturgical Year comes to an end, something is noticeable in the readings on Sunday and during the week. The reading become centered on three themes.
These are the days of tribulation and persecution; the end of the world and the final judgement; and the need for penance.
Advent continues with the call to repentance, especially in the words of St. John the Baptist.
But, in the weeks running up to Advent, we see the persistent themes noted above.
Why?
The end of the Liturgical Year is an appropriate time for reminders of the final judgement, end times, tribulation, persecution and penance. As the season of Autumn become more wintry, as cold and darkness set in, we are reminded of death, our death and the death of all mankind. We are reminded of our particular judgement and the final judgement.
Readings from Luke remind us of Christ's words on the end times.
Readings from the Apocalypse remind us of judgement.
Readings from the prophets warn us of the truths of Revelation that we shall be persecuted and judged.
These themes are not merely in this year of Luke, but are also found in the years of Mark and Matthew. The Church has always reminded us of persecution, judgment and death at this time of year, even in the Tridentine Calendar.
Indeed, as we move towards the great feast of Christ the King, this year on November 23rd, the last Sunday of the Church Year, we see this movement towards His Reign.
We are being asked to get prepared for the Kingdom of God. We are being asked to get ready for persecution, trials, the end of the world, the final judgement.
Get ready.