[Jesus said:] "Then they will hand you over to persecution, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. And then many will be led into sin; they will betray and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; and because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a witness to all nations, and the end will come." 

Tony Stark or better known as "Iron Man" in the movie "Iron Man 2" was a powerful man. He was smart, handsome, had brought peace to the world, and the instrument of peace for the future. But he had discovered that his death was imminent. What does someone do in such a situation? In Tony Stark's case, he gradually began to make his exit from everything and everyone around him. He gave up his position as CEO of his company to his assistant Pepper, and even though he was still involved with conquering the evil Justin Hammer and Vanko, he had to attend to the problem of his death. He realized how human he was, and in his egotistical reckless way decided to close off his life by enjoying himself.       

"The end" of our lives is generally not a happy thought, whether it is the end of the world or our own deaths. When we read of Jesus predicting "the end," it usually brings forth fear and uneasiness into our minds. Such a feeling is increased when Jesus tells us that before the end comes, there will be betrayal, false prophets, an increase of evildoing, and love itself will grow cold. But, even if fear accompanies our end on earth, Jesus gives hope: "the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.”

Tony Stark in the movie "Iron Man 2" feared his own death. Because of the circumstances, he knew it would happen soon. Struggling with how to handle it, he turned to one last bit of pleasure before he died. It was not the way to "persevere" that  Jesus counseled.
 
Exactly what does "persevere to the end" mean? Does it mean that we should not have a fear of dying? Does it mean that we should not be concerned about the people we will leave behind? Does it mean that we should not be concerned about the physical and mental pain that will accompany our deaths. In truth, the answer is complex enough to include no easy answers. But there are answers.

The answer lies in a return to the concept of God in our lives. The Christian belief is a positive one: God will help. Our God is a loving God, in spite of all the problems that humankind generates. Jesus' directive to "persevere to the end" means learning the difficult lessons of life. Indeed, difficult things happen in life, and death is certainly one of them. If we work with the problems, try to understand them, we can come to a better appreciation of the type of people we should be.

Although it did not actually occur, Tony Stark sensed that the end of his life was near, and he chose a selfish way to do something about it. As we prepare for the end of our lives, the directive that Jesus gives is to "persevere," that is, to choose to make God's presence more of a reality. 

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, we feel the fear of knowing that our lives here on earth are limited. As your Son has counseled us, help us "persevere" until you call us in death by becoming more aware of your presence. Be with us, we pray. 

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©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America