“...et ecce, ego vobiscum sum omnibus diebus usque ad consummationem saeculi.” — Matthew 28:20b

During the Christmas shopping season of 1991, I remember vividly walking into a record store in search of U2’s newly released album, Achtung Baby. I was a U2 fanatic throughout high school and college, and this particular album became a kind of North Star for me during adolescence. From the bizarre cacophony of “Zoo Station” to the soulful ache of “Love is Blindness,” the album marks a season in my life that felt so clear and full, it's impossible for me to hear those songs without yearning for that simpler, more innocent time.

But the track that has stayed with me the longest—the one that still presses me into the deepest prayer—is the fourth song on the album: “Until the End of the World.” Many interpret it as a conversation between Judas Iscariot and Jesus on the eve of the betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. The lyrics are powerful. But for me, the true force of the song lives in its refrain: “Until the End of the World.” It's a direct reference to Matthew 28:20 (quoted above in the Latin Vulgate) and speaks most poignantly of Christ’s love. No matter how far we fall, no matter how faithless or unfaithful we have been, his love and care will hold us ad consummationem saeculi—until the end of the world.

I know how complicated and painful life can be. I know firsthand how far we can drift from God’s love and grace. I often find myself in prayer for members of our parish who, in seasons of sorrow, pain, or shame, quietly begin to avoid worship and fellowship—keeping away from the very place where God most desires to meet them. I don’t believe this is conscious. But deep within, a voice whispers that they are unworthy, that their sin or grief disqualifies them from belonging. That if they were to return, they would be seen for who they really are and found wanting. Friends, this voice is a lie.

That is why U2’s masterpiece continues to feel like a meditation. It captures both the friendship and betrayal between Judas and Jesus—and holds them in tension with Christ’s eternal promise: “Et ecce, ego vobiscum sum omnibus diebus usque ad consummationem saeculi.” “And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This is Christ’s promise to his Church, his Body, his Bride. And you, dear ones, are members of that Body.

Please do not forsake the gathering of yourselves. He is with us always. Even now. Even here. Even until the end of the world.

+Mike