Jesus' Most Startling Prophecy
Jesus made a number of startling prophecies during His ministry. He foretold His own crucifixion; the destruction of the temple; the persecution of His followers; the spread of the faith; and the end times.
In today’s Gospel, He delivered His most astounding prophecy when He said those who received the Holy Eucharist would be raised up on the last day and enter eternal life with Him. Many of His followers balked at the thought of eating Jesus’ flesh and blood. It was a jarring image. They couldn’t accept it. And – if we are honest with ourselves – it is hard to believe.
The Mysteries of Life
But it is also hard to believe that a brown seed planted in black soil will sprout to life with green shoots and fragrant, colorful flowers. It’s hard to believe that a green caterpillar turns into a yellow butterfly. It’s hard to believe that a pinch of yeast can make a loaf of bread rise. It’s hard to believe that rain water carved out the Grand Canyon. That a jumbo jet weighing close to 400,000 pounds can become airborne. That man has been to the moon and back.
Life is full of mind-warping questions. I don’t know why my hair turns gray and falls out; why my joints make popping sounds; or why our frozen foods get “freezer burn” (isn’t that a contradiction in terms). I don’t understand how sunscreen works or how a tiny pill can relieve my aches and pains, except that they’re called “miracle drugs.”
I sure don’t understand calculus, statistics or quantum mechanics. But, I’m willing to live without the answers. I’m also willing to believe scientists when they say the universe is constantly expanding and that there are black holes, dark matter, neutron stars and celestial signs and wonders that will forever exist beyond our ken.
In the course of our every day lives, we are surrounded by things that we don’t fully understand, but which we believe in because experience has shown us they are real. For reasons we can’t fully fathom, they exist.
Most of the things Jesus foretold have already come to pass. History tells us that His prophecies were true. The one remaining prophecy – the promise of eternal life – will only be fulfilled in the mysterious future. But in this vast universe of mind-boggling imponderables, in this immensity of trackless space, there is plenty of room for one more miracle.
When you think about it, that’s not so startling after all.
Lord, how great thou art.