The Bridegroom Cometh

Over the centuries, many have tried to assign specific dates and times to the Lord’s return, often connecting them with political events, calendars, or even astronomical signs. But Jesus Himself was very clear:

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)

It’s natural for us to look for signs and to try to “decode” events, especially when the world feels unstable. And while it can be tempting to tie dates like September 23, 2025 to prophecy, the real call for us is not to prediction, but to readiness.

That’s the heart of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25: some were ready when the bridegroom came, others were not. The lesson isn’t “guess the date” but “live prepared” — with oil in our lamps (faith, repentance, prayer, charity, perseverance).

Here’s a thought:

Instead of anchoring our hope in a possible date, we can see every day as an opportunity to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming — whether in the great Second Coming at the end of time or in the personal moment we meet Him.

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I must admit that I also fell victim to reading and immersing myself in the guessing game – the distraction. Thank you Holy Spirit for guidance in sitting quietly with God in prayer and scripture reading.

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Catholic point of view:

No secret rapture: The Catholic Church teaches that Christ will return once, visibly, in glory (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Matthew 24:30). The idea of a secret “rapture” before the tribulation is more recent (19th century Protestant teaching), not ancient Christian tradition. The tribulation and deception: Before Christ’s return, there will be a time of trial and deception — sometimes called the “great apostasy” (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Catechism §§675–677). Resurrection and judgment: At Christ’s coming, the dead will rise, the living will be transformed, and all will stand before His judgment seat. New creation: Then, the renewal of heaven and earth — the fulfillment of the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

The Catechism sums it up well:

“Since the Ascension, Christ’s coming in glory has been imminent, even though ‘it is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority.’” (CCC 673)

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Aside:

Turning back to prayer, Scripture, and the quiet presence of God is exactly how the Holy Spirit guides us — away from distraction and toward peace.

It reminds me of Psalm 131:2:

“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

Sitting with God in that stillness is where true readiness grows — not in timelines or predictions, but in daily faithfulness.

God Bless each of us as we grow in readiness 💕🙏