Have you heard recently that we are in the end times? Does that stress you out? I try not to listen to those dire predictions and today’s first reading supports my stance…
We ask you, brothers and sisters,
with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
and our assembling with him,
not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly,
or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement,
or by a letter allegedly from us
to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.
Let no one deceive you in any way.
To this end he has also called you through our Gospel
to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm
and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught,
either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement
and good hope through his grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen them
in every good deed and word.
The question we must all ask ourselves is not when will He come but am I ready when He does come? Am I? Are you? Give some thought to that today and if examining your conscience you don’t think you are, then what must you do to get ready? Don’t find out the hard way what the meaning of “He will come like a thief in the night…” truly is. Be ready.
Back to the primacy of Peter. I posted a YouTube video from Bishop Sheen yesterday. Bishop Sheen also wrote a beautiful reflection on his thoughts about the role of the Pope for our Church. Please take time today to read and reflect on this.
The Voice of Peter by Bishop Fulton Sheen
The father and mother of a family suffer for their children; the priest bears the wounds of his parishioners, but into that chalice held by the Vicar of Christ seeps all the sorrows, such as those caused by disciples: some walk with Him no more, or who leave the Eucharistic Banquet and go out into the night.
Do something great for our Lord today – hear His voice through our Holy Father here on earth. Be strong in these times of struggle – do not leave the Eucharistic Banquet and go out into the night but be nourished by the Body and Blood of the Lamb – our hope and our salvation.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.
But you, man of God, chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be glory forever.
Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion – inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us so that in difficult moments we may not despair nor become despondent but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will which is Love and Mercy itself.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 