But of that day or hour no man knoweth, neither the angels
in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)
I visited an Episcopal church recently, and I asked a lady the meaning of the last line of the Doxology that says “World without end.” She was a bit embarrassed and said she wasn’t sure, because she wasn’t really “up” on theology. Then she approached a Sunday school teacher who didn’t seem to know either, although he tried to wing it.
I guess I’m funny that way. I like to know exactly what I’m singing and saying in my prayers. Whose world are we referring to? Surely it doesn’t mean our world will never end. Or does it? Everyone thought the world was going to end yesterday, but it didn’t! Big surprise…
Jesus said He doesn’t even know when the end of time will be, so it strikes me as funny that people keep trying to figure it out. Why do we play these guessing games? If only Christians would read the Bible more. Christ said the end would be like a thief in the night, and that’s a pretty straightforward analogy. He said if you knew when a thief was coming, you could bust ’em quick. But it’s not like that…we don’t know, so we’ve got to always be prepared. It’s aggravating, I know, but that’s just how it is.
P.S. If you know what “world without end” means, please tell me…okay? I love to learn new stuff.
I’ve wondered that, myself. My Step-Grandfather was a Methodist minister when I was growing up. I believe it is actually the “Gloria Patri” that says that. “Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, so it is now and it shall ever be, world without end. Alleluia. Amen.” I have a friend who is a pretty good theologian. I’ll ask him. It may refer to the “new heaven and new earth” spoken of in Revelation.
I appreciate this…let me know what you find out. Keep in touch, and have a great new year!
Shalom,
Olive