“For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man.” It is what Jesus mentioned of Noah and his ark in the gospel of Matthew.

Most understand the coming of the Son of man as the day of judgment at the end of the world. However, we often forget we are already living with the presence of the Son of Man. In a sense, the last stage of the world has begun with the first coming of the Son of Man on earth because he promised his disciples that he would be with them until the end of time. By the sacrament of the Eucharist, we are still with him on earth. But what about judgment and condemnation? Are they on hold? Once again as Jesus said, those who do not believe in the Son of Man are already condemned. Then, those who believe in the Son of Man have already been saved? Not yet. God receives souls into heaven only when they become like children – completely trusting God and obedient to him with humility and purity. Have I reached that humility, purity, and faith? Not yet. It is God’s mercy that allows me to perfect myself in virtues on earth before death. And it is also God’s mercy if I must spend time in purgatory after death because I still have hope then.

However, we are very slow in understanding Jesus and his goodness. Instead, we are distracted by all kinds of worldly concerns and interests. In today’s gospel, Jesus laments over his disciples’ slowness in understanding and faith. Even after the miraculous feeding of thousands, the disciples were again worried because they did not have enough bread. Even living with the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist, many Catholic people worry about the same things the world does. 

I wish not our Lord finds us occupied with worldly concerns when he comes again. What are we doing? Where are we heading? Lent is near at hand. Are we prepared?