Original

449
nection, the one being a figure of the other, and the last
days of Jerusalem represent the end of time. The signs
referred to in the Gospel which will precede the end of the
world are of two kinds : the one material, the other
spiritual.
The first shall appear in the heavens and on
earth, the sun and moon shall be darkened, the stars
in the firmament phall be shaken, the earth shall open,
and tremble to its foundations. But the most striking
signs will appear when all men shall be assembled for
Judgment. God will then send forth His angels, and
they shall sound the trumpet, at which sound all shall
rise again. The Son of God will appear in the clouds of
heaven in glory and majesty, and as the instrument of
His victory, He will hold His Cross. Then will the
Sovereign Judge decide for ever the lot of the good,
and of the wicked. Time shall have come to an end,
and eternity will begin.
EVERYONE of us mindful of the account which we
shall have to render to the Sovereign Judge, should be
filled with sentiments of fear, and strive to be detached
from a world which with its vain toils, its counterfeit
glory, its false pleasure, passes away. But at the
thought of the reward which is promised to the faithful
servant, we should ANIMATE OURSELVES TO THANKS
GIVING and PRAYER, as Saint Paul in the Epistle for this
day has already urged us to do.
THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR
the Church proposes to our meditations in succession the
THREE DIVINE WORKS of the CREATION, the REDEMPTION,
and the SANCTIFICATION of man. During Advent she re
minds us of the Creation and the preparation for the com
ing of the Messias ; this was the work of God the Father.
From Christmas to the Ascension, she represents to us
the first coming of our Saviour and the Redemption of
15 The Liturgy of the Roman Missal.