If you follow the new-fangled three year lectionary you will have heard Luke's "Little Apocalypse," in which Our Lord prophecies the end times, the great and terrible day of the Lord. When that comes, as it will, the wicked will be eradicated "root and branch" and burned away like stubble in an oven (Malachi). So yes, the righteous will be vindicated mightily even as the wicked apparently prosper. Are we there yet?
No, we're not. For sure, certain signs have been fulfilled, Elijah's returned in the form of John the Baptist, the Church around the world is persecuted as never before an the unrighteous, per Malachi, prosper and escape justice, for now. In fact, they appear to wax ever stronger and that's as it should be. As we approach the definitive battle between good and evil, between God and Satan, each respective side will become more clearly defined. We see that now, if you have eyes to see.
The question is, which side are you on? On the side of truth, beauty, goodness and light, on the side of God, obviously. Accordingly, as the Apostle tells the Thessalonians, don't be idle but get to work, we must apply ourselves to the opus dei, the work of God. Christ narrows the focus, "By your endurance you will save your lives."
Endurance. Never, ever give up. Not on the Faith, the Gospel of life, Not in prayer. Not in the active pursuit of holiness and in that daily endeavor to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Christ. Is this hard? Of course, and no one ever said it'd be easy. Does it involve hardship? It should, endurance and duress are cognate. Does it have a reward? Assuredly yes, eternal life.
That's our goal. Run accordingly, and do not be dismayed at the present ascendance of the apostate and heathen, they will meet their reward. Here endeth the lesson.
1 comment:
Well said, and my belief in goodness is strong.
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