TWE News Desk

Archbishop Audu has urged Christians to prepare for the end times and not fear but with love, service, and steadfast heart, reminding them that only God knows the hour of Christ’s return.

During his homily, Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu, of Jos Archdiocese, on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary time, 17 November, reminded the faithful that predictions about the end of the world are as old as Christianity itself, adding that true preparation lies in living each day with love and readiness for Christ’s eventual return.

He reflected on the words of Jesus: “But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the Angels in heaven nor the Son; no one but the Father” (Matthew 24:36). He recounted historical moments when people, driven by predictions of the world coming to end responded with fear, sometimes leading to drastic actions, including mass suicides.

The Archbishop highlighted instances such as the 1992 prediction by Lee Jang Rim of South Korea’s Dami Mission Church and 1997 mass suicide led by Marshall Applewhite of the Heaven’s Gate cult.” Each prediction throughout history has proven wrong.” He said, emphasizing the dangers of relying on human forecasts instead of divine truth.

While calling on Christian faithful to “live everyday as if it were the Day of the Lord.” Archbishop Audu acknowledged that although the idea of the world ending can incite fear, Christians are called to respond differently. He stressed that those who live in alignment with God’s will – marked by love, generosity, and compassion – have nothing to fear.

He said:” Some people react with panic, some sell their belongings or withdraw in fear,” adding that “those at peace who love God and their neighbor, for them, the end of the world is not disaster but the beginning of everlasting joy.”

Illustrating the power of love and kindness, Archbishop Audu narrated the story of a man named Bryan who helped a stranded elderly woman change her tire, asking for nothing in return but that she “renders help to the next person who is in need.” The story tells of how to live in a manner that prepares one for Christs return through acts of love and selflessness.

The Archbishop challenged the faithful to examine their lives and ask themselves how prepared they would be if they met Jesus today. He asked: “Are we living in expectation of Him coming?” he urged that they strive to be ready for the moment to meet Christ “Whether at the end of the world or at the end of our lives.”

“Our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. “We must live every day as if it were the Day of the Lord.” He reminded the congregation of St. John Bosco’s serene response when asked what he would do if the world ended that moment: “I would continue to play.”

Archbishop Audu urged the faithful to embrace daily acts of love and live with readiness rooted in faith.