The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned
up. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because
of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire! But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
2 Peter 3:9–14
Because of our fallen nature, we can sometimes become too attached to this earth and too focused on the here and now. We forget that God promises that the old order of things will pass away, and we will witness new heavens and a new earth. Right now, because of Adam’s sin, the world is subject to decay. The proof of this is all around us, yet we still cling to the things of this world as if they will always be with us.
This is not how Christian men are supposed to live. The passing away of the earth should not be our main concern. Rather, we need to focus on how we are to live. Living in hope means striving to lead holy lives devoted to God as we wait patiently for and “hasten” the day of Christ’s coming. We must strive for heaven, eagerly awaiting what God has in store for us.
Questions for reflection
What parts of your life tend to keep you earthbound rather than heading for heaven?
Is God’s promise of new heavens and a new earth real to you? What can you do to remind yourself of this reason for hope in your daily life?
How can you help a brother surrender an earthly attachment and focus his eyes on heaven?
Praying with Scripture
And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever. (1 Jn 2:17)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
