From the Friars: Words of Warning

As we come to the end of the liturgical year, and the beginning of Advent, we hear much about the Last Things in the readings at Mass. Today Jesus speaks of terrifying events to come and of great persecution that will come upon the Church. Church Teaching and the Scriptures are clear that things will get much worse before the end, when Our Lord will come in glory. He also tells us that we will be hated by all for His name’s sake. We tend to not want to think about such things, especially if we are blessed with a more or less safe and comfortable life.

But these warnings serve at least two important purposes in our life.

First, we should not be discouraged or frightened if everything seems to be falling apart around us. God’s plan is not for some kind of paradise in this world. Horrible things can and do happen because human beings and angels choose to rebel against God and commit evil. There was an article in a recent Pilot about gang violence in Haiti. It is shocking what is happening there, especially to innocent women and young girls. But Jesus warned us that it would be so. His victory will not be complete until He comes again at the end of time. Of course, this does not justify indifference or inaction in the face of evil.

Secondly, we need to change our perspective if we have adopted worldly attitudes. It seems that our society is governed by the desire for economic success more than anything else. “The love of money is the root of all evil.” (1Tm 6:10)

• Are we truly seeking first the Kingdom of God in all that we do?
• Am I seeking my own good or the glory of God and the good of my neighbor, even my neighbors in poor countries?

May Our Lady of the Holy Rosary help us to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and our lives. God bless you.

–Fr. Peter