Jesus wants his disciples to be completely prepared for the end of the world. And so, he does NOT tell them when it will be or by what sign it will happen. In fact, Jesus makes it clear that ANY speculation about the end of the world, will be a POINTLESS curiosity at best, and a harmful distraction at worst. Jesus himself has already accomplished with his sacrifice on the cross everything that was necessary to prepare us for the kingdom. In our baptisms, we link ourselves to Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection – we die to ourselves, and take hold of the resurrected life of Christ within us. And, as a result, living under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we are guided and changed as God sees fit, to grow in our relationship with him, and to provoke one another to love and good deeds, encouraging one another all the more, as we know the Day is approaching. Jesus keeps it simple for us: “be alert, don't fall asleep, don't get distracted by the latest supposed sign in the world that the end is near, don't succumb to the manipulative fear of false messiahs and false prophets. I have told you everything you need. And I have ACCOMPLISHED everything you need.”
Gracious God, we thank you for including us in your kingdom, and guiding us with your Holy Spirit. Keep us focused on Jesus, and help us to live with an urgency that is free from fear, in Jesus' name, amen.