ENDS OF THE EARTH
The phrase “ends of the earth” holds profound significance in Sacred Scripture, appearing throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In Catholic teaching, this expression carries deep theological meaning, emphasizing God’s universal sovereignty and the all-encompassing nature of His salvation plan.
In the Book of Deuteronomy, we find a powerful declaration of God’s omnipresence: “Ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: Has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard of?” (Deut 4:32). This passage underscores the uniqueness of God’s relationship with His people, extending His presence across all creation.
The prophet Isaiah echoes this sentiment, proclaiming God’s call to all nations: “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other” (Isa 45:22). This invitation reflects the Catholic understanding of God’s universal salvific will, extending His mercy to all corners of the world.
In the Psalms, we find beautiful expressions of God’s sovereignty over all creation. Psalm 22:27-28 declares, “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.” This passage anticipates the universal Church, gathering people from every nation to worship the one true God.
The New Testament further develops this theme, with Jesus Himself speaking of the gathering of all peoples. In Luke’s Gospel, Christ foretells the heavenly banquet: “Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God” (Lk 13:29). This imagery beautifully illustrates the Catholic Church’s mission to evangelize all nations, fulfilling Christ’s command to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19).
The Catholic Church teaches that this concept of “ends of the earth” is not merely geographical but also eschatological, pointing towards the final consummation of God’s kingdom. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that at the end of time, “The Last Judgment will reveal that God’s justice triumphs over all the injustices committed by his creatures and that God’s love is stronger than death” (CCC 1040).
REFLECTION
As Christians, this biblical and theological understanding of the “ends of the earth” carries a profound message for us today. It reminds us of our call to participate in God’s universal plan of salvation. We are invited to:
1. Recognize God’s Sovereignty: Acknowledge God’s dominion over all creation and all peoples.
2. Embrace Evangelization: Actively engage in the Church’s mission of evangelization, reaching out to those in our communities and beyond.
3. Cultivate Inclusivity: Foster a spirit of inclusivity, welcoming people from all backgrounds into our faith communities.
4. Pray for Unity: Pray for and work towards the unity of all believers, as Christ desired.
5. Live with Hope: Maintain hope, knowing that God’s plan encompasses all of history and extends to every corner of the earth.
In conclusion, the concept of “ends of the earth” in Catholic teaching reminds us of God’s all-encompassing love and the universality of His Church. As we journey through our faith lives, let us keep this global perspective in mind, always striving to extend God’s love and message of salvation to all we encounter, from our immediate surroundings to the farthest reaches of the world. In doing so, we participate in God’s grand design, helping to build His kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:10).