Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

"I am going now to prepare a place for you and after I have gone and prepared a place for you, I shall return to take you with me" (John 14:3). This promise, which Jesus made to his Apostles the night before he died, will be the culmination of his incarnation and redemption. On the occasion of his Ascension, angels repeated the promise. "This same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen Him go there" (Acts 1:11). When the Second Coming will be, no one knows. Some of his devoted followers were mistaken inthinking that the return would take place in a short time, possible in thier lifetime. Nevertheless, that promise is the basis of Christian hope. As Paul wrote to Titus: "We must be self-restrained and live good and religious livese here in this present world while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus" (Titus 2:13).