"Have I got time for a cup of coffee?"
Posted on 10/10/2008 7:04:16 AM PDT by NYer
In any age, there are end-of-the-world predictions in time of societal upset (as well as unusual elections). When there is turmoil -- as there is now turmoil -- the prophetic pulse quickens. It grows dramatic. Or, past dramatic prophecies are rehashed. The question becomes: when does it go beyond credibility?
Events such as September 11, the Iraq war, and the Asian tsunami caused a flurry of apocalyptic prophecy, and now we have the "9/11 of finances" (occurring, again -- for those with ears to hear -- in Lower Manhattan).
And so now there are many prophecies circulating.
Some are extreme -- which is why the Church is so cautious. It can spoil it for the rest, including prophecies that are more measured, gradual, and prove to be prescient.
Of course, what is "measured" is a matter of personal opinion. Even saints have been mistaken in what they predicted, and there have been prognostications that the world is about to end in every century (right from the first A.D.). The most well-intentioned can be deceived.
It's why the Bible tells us not to despise prophecy, but rather consider it, take what is good, and leave the rest.
Might "take what is good" mean take the essence -- the basal pulse, the crux of it, the general tenor -- as opposed to accepting them literally?
One can argue that any age could be the last -- and thus warn against quickly brushing "extreme" prophecies off too quickly.
But extreme they have become.
One standard of discernment, perhaps, is that a true Godly prophecy does not leave one hopeless. The enemy inspires fear -- and so if it leaves us fearful and especially hopeless, we must be suspicious.
For example, help us discern this "word" from several years ago, which is being re-circulated:
"The time has now come for all of my saints to be gathered unto Me; I mean to be gathered with Me in the spirit," a man quoted Jesus as saying. "You must hold firmly unto Me, all of you. There are perils that are coming upon the earth that will be greater than any peril that man has witnessed. It is the time of those things that I have prophesied from long ago. Beware of those who say peace when there is no peace. Woe to that man or woman who says that they speak for Me and they proclaim peace upon the earth when there is turmoil. Surely, this nation and this world will be shook; it will be shaken unto its roots. Now is the time to be gathered unto Me like never before. Now is the time to know who it is that you believe in. Now is the time to put your trust in Me like never before."
According to the alleged locutioinist, the Lord "showed me a scene of a house that had become rubble. It was all stone and only parts of the walls were still standing. It looked very much like what an old stone house would look like that had been on the prairie and had been deserted many years ago. I then saw various churches, one of which was of brick that was collapsing. On one of the doors of a church was a sign that read, 'Keep out.' I saw perhaps two or three different churches that were stone or brick that were in the state of being abandoned and falling into ruin."
He went on to quote the Voice, in October of 2002, as saying (again, for your discernment, and only for discernment):
"The sun will be darkened during those days....This is the time of Jacob's trouble. When everything seems to be going fine than you must be certain of your relationship with Me. There will be more distress in those days than ever before. Do not put your hope in the world system for it will fail you. You will see the STOCK MARKET CRASH more than it did during the deep depression. I tell you that treaties will not be successful ones that will be made during those days. Many of the freedoms that you now have and that you have taken for granted, will no longer be available for you. You will be persecuted for your faith. These freedoms have been ones that you have long enjoyed. Many of your brothers and sisters around the world have faced persecution like you have never known before. Do not ask when these things will happen, but know assuredly that they will happen. But you my people, you who put your hope in Me, continue in the work that I've called you to do. I've called you not to live as unwise but as wise making the most of your time because the days are evil. I have a plan and that is to redeem my people. I also have a plan to snatch as many away from the evil one as I can. But I tell you these things because time is swiftly running out."
Continued this particular prophecy:
"It will be clearly seen who hears from Me in this hour for there will be a confusion of voices in this hour. You will know those prophets who have spoken in my name not because of the pleasant and enticing things that they have said, but because of the truth in their words. Many will say, 'Surely these things of judgment are not upon the horizon.' But I tell you that the sky and the times that you live in are not filled with the prophecies of cherubs and meadows. It is high time that many of you grow up. It is high time that some of you put away your pet doctrines.
"The judgment has begun, but it will increase and extend to all four corners of the earth. But even in the midst of this judgment there will be opportunities for those who have followed after Me. There will be opportunities for continued ministry, and I will protect those families who have followed after Me. Surely, the wicked will become more wicked and the righteous will shine like the stars in the heavens. From everlasting to everlasting, my servants will be an inheritance to Me, and I will bring my servants into my kingdom for ever and ever."
Even at Governor Sarah Palin's church in Wasilla, Alaska, the vice presidential candidate's former pastor, Ed Kalnins, sees powerful signs that the "end" is nigh (he believes in a coming "rapture") -- citing conflict in the Middle East, America’s dependence on foreign oil and the depletion of energy reserves as evidence that "storm clouds are gathering." He told The London Times: "Scripture specifically mentions oil instability as a sign... We’re seeing more and more oil wars. The contractions of the fulfillment of prophecies are getting tighter and tighter."
How careful we must be. Let's get back to what we are sent, in this case by a priest, Father Michael Merkt of Mary Queen of Heaven in West Allis, Wisconsin:
"Mid-summer," says the priest, "I was awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of a whistle a few yards outside my rectory bedroom window. I got up and looked out all the windows to see if anyone was there. It all appeared to be a very silent night.
"This past Sunday night (September 28th), I was having a nightmare. In the nightmare, a seminarian (who lived in the rectory this past summer) and I were being chased by an unseen evil force. We were full of fear. In the midst of this horrible dream I was awakened again by the sound of the very same whistle I heard this summer. I looked at the clock and it read 11:55 PM. The sound of the whistle came from the exact same direction as earlier, east of the rectory.
"I began to wonder could this whistle be human or Divine. So I Googled 'The whistle of God.' I found Isaiah 5: 26-30. 'He will give a signal to a far-off nation, and whistle to them from the ends of the earth; speedily and promptly will they come. None of them will stumble with weariness, none will slumber and none will sleep... They growl and seize their prey, they carry it off and none will rescue it.
"I'm wondering if anyone else has heard a "whistle"- what I heard was like a man's whistle with two tones: one high and the 2nd one lower in tone. One whistle each time."
Another priest, Father John Connors, writes:
"I am not certain if you ever heard of Frances S. She is the most authentic visionary I have personally ever met. I do not have her authority to give you her personal name at this point, but if you are interested in her prophecies which I hope you are I will gladly speak to her about it.
"I have known her for 13 years now and I am only more convicted of her authenticity. I have met a fair number of visionaries and seers. Some of them proved to be rather weak in the batting cage and for some others it did not always seem that there was enough room for the Lord. Frances was given some of the direst prophecies during the early Eighties not too long after she converted to Catholicism from a Pentecostal background.
"Many of the clergy and others of authority were turned off by these doom-and-gloom visions so her very wise director then told her to remain silent. He has since deceased, but according to her he was the wisest and holiest priest she ever met. He was a Jesuit and well trained in spirituality.
"At the time she was being rejected by some of the clergy there were also other visionaries popping up and some were contradicting her or others who were putting their words in her mouth. So her director told her that they were not worthy to receive these visions and she was to step back and remain silent. She did just exactly that.
"I just moved to Texas this year from New Jersey and so I was able to be in greater contact with her, but not realizing that I am only a half hour drive away from her home. After a long while of not talking to her I called her back in December 2007 after I got her phone number. She told me on the phone that she had a dream that I was in San Antonio and I had not even told her that I was going there next month, by a strange turn of events.
"I was then able to visit her house for the first time. She often indicated on the phone the difficulty she has had financially at times. I was always surprised since she knows many priests and even bishops. However, when I saw how modest she lived I was once more convicted of her authenticity. She told me that the Lord told her that she was not to make a single penny off of these prophecies. She has always refused any money even when a bishop insisted on it.
"I can only give you a small synopsis of what I know of her prophecies. I was allowed to read them back in 1995 with approval from her director. I have no personal copy, but I did have many conversations about what she experienced throughout the years. She has been kept quite hidden.
"In short to the best of my poor memory, I recall her prophecies showed a world wide financial collapse leaving money with no intrinsic value at all. Those who had rice and beans would be considered rich. She was shown a plague that would kill many in the world. Many children would revolt in cities all over the world causing chaos and violence. She was not given dates like the seers of Garabandal or Medjugorje, but she was given signs. She saw many wars and so many that no one would be able to keep track of them. Then she was shown a sign of 100,000 troops amassing along the border of Poland (I believe). She knew this was a particular sign indicating the onset of the darkness that would envelop the world. At the same time she saw the lights in the Vatican go out completely. She was led to believe that has never happened before. She was then shown the Holy Father kneeling in prayer and a lone gunman coming up to him putting a gun to his head. She was not allowed to see anything in addition to that.
"Since her prophecies are similar to [others] she was interviewed along with them. Many critics became convinced of her authenticity. She was told that Russia would cause more problems and the authorities questioned her if she heard accurately since at that time Russia was the USSR. She made it clear that she heard 'Russia.' Since she was a recent convert she did not know who the saints were appearing to her. Saints like St. Therese and St. Catherine of Siena spoke to her and said they had been waiting for her to accept her mission.
"After this one sign of the 100,000 troops she knew the darkness would come immediately. She said the darkness was so thick and fearful that it would be impossible to see your own hand. Many would die of fright from this event and from the terrible spirits they would experience.
"She said, the Lord revealed three reasons why He was chastising the world. The first reason was due to abortion, the second was homosexuality, and the third (I am not certain) was greed.
"There are many more revelations, but in essence I felt that I was to give you this to discern and to see if you are interested, because I believe that many need to hear about these words and revelations. Some considered her words to be too strong and hard to accept. Yet, I have been so moved by her accuracy and love for Christ and the truth."
No doubt, it is well-intended -- good people who believe what they have "heard," but who must be treated very carefully. And no doubt: we live in special times. Events are upon us. But how far to go with it?
It is a question in an hour in which there are many questions. But with prayer there is no scare. The expression "light at the end of the tunnel"?
With God there always is.
[resources: Tower of Light, The Day Will Come, and The Final Hour]
[prophetic retreats: South Florida and Nevada]
[see also: The Rosary as a weapon]
Fifth Sunday after Holy Cross
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Concerning times and seasons, brothers, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief. For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober. Those who sleep go to sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet that is hope for salvation. For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.
Matthew 24:45-51
"Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is long delayed,' and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.
Prophecy or not, this is almost a given.
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on we sinners!
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on we sinners!
Amen!
First off, let me say up front: I’m not Catholic, but I have nothing against my Catholic brothers and sisters.
That one part of the woman’s prophecy about the lone gunman and the Pope...it makes me wonder. Now, the Swiss Guard are one of the better security forces in the world. The purple-and-gold medieval dress they wear is for show....they are, in reality, highly-trained men who can put some serious hurt on anyone who intends harm on the Pope. However, like any security force, they can’t be everywhere. Could a lone gunman sneak into the private apartments of the Pope and shoot him?
Not only that, I was reminded of another prophecy, that of St. Malachy. Much was made after the death of JPII about how, according to St. Malachy, there were only 2 popes left....and now, there’s only one. Once Benedict is gone, whether by assassination or old age (he’s in his 80’s, right?), there’s just one Pope left...and the creepy part is that the last Pope, according to St. Malachy’s prophecy, will supposedly be shepherding the Church during a time of intense persecution.
Anyone notice how hostile things are starting to get against those who believe in God? It’s mild now, but the way things are going...it may not be very much longer.
Yes...we could be very close to the end.
Just my opinion, but it is more likely to occur in the midst of some kind of popular uprising against religion in Italy, either by Italians themselves or (probably more likely) Islamic radicals.
A Pope had to flee Rome during the 1800s and his life was in danger during just such an uprising.
You're right....persecution of Christians is not far off. To quote Franklin, let's hang together, or most assuredly, we will all hang separately.
I have often thought in recent years that it is not so much events that signal the end of the age but people’s reaction to these that will be the determining sign. Many point out that human history is filled with horrifying calamities and great wars and that many thought at the time that the end was near. But in times past many, perhaps most, people would turn to God in times of peril and crisis and God, being who He is, will succor those who come to Him in real humility and repentance.
There is also the matter of scope of the crisis. None have been world-wide - not even the “world” wars of the 20th century or the great plagues in the 14th or 6th centuries. So reaction is varied and in some cases there were large populations not even aware of the great events occurring elsewhere.
Today Godlessness is endemic everywhere and growing. There are plenty who profess God but, in my opinion, too few who truly believe or submit to His will. There are an awful lot of professing believers who are practicing atheists. The erosion in moral and spiritual matters has been enormous and pervasive - so much so that there is no longer a question of whether a practice or belief is right or wrong and thus to be condemned and shunned but rather are such things worthy of legal protection and should they be taught as acceptable principles to children.
The scope of events, thanks to a world media that reaches into every corner or the world, is now worldwide. The current financial mess is known and felt everywhere. The world’s wars, localized and relatively small in comparison to past conflicts, are known and subject to consideration in areas wholly untouched by these events.
So we have events known to any who bother to read or watch or listen and we have a moral/spiritual climate that has never seen a greater availability of information as to what is right and wrong and that has never seen less attention paid to these sources. I believe it is safe to say that never have more people determined to follow their own will or give less heed to following the will of God than we have right now.
So, in my opinion, the climate is truly right for the end of the age to come about. People are choosing sides openly and have no excuse for their decisions because truth is not hidden. The only real unknown in all this is the factor of time. Scripture gives some fairly specific time frames but, to be candid, I don’t know how reliable these are or if they were meant to apply today or to past events. God’s notion of time is not ours.
Fitting and timely post.
Thanks.
I watched a program on EWTN (Catholic television) the other night. The guest was Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, a neurologist and bioethicist. He cited a recent court decision in CA regarding the refusal of a physician to artificially impregnate a lesbian. The doctor refused on religious beliefs grounds and referred the clients to another physician. The procedure was a success and one of the women gave birth to a child. The following year, however, she brought the doctor's refusal to court and won a 'discrimination' case. CA Supreme Court Issues Ruling in Lesbian Insemination Case . Dr. Fortanesce expects that it is only a matter of time before a gay couple (gay marriage is now legal in CA) will file charges of discrimination against the Catholic Church for refusing to marry them. (that would of course apply to any faith based institution) At that point, churches will begin to shut down.
We have witnessed the physical persecution of christians in the Middle East and India. Here in the west, the persecution is from the government but is just as real and intense.
Last week, Turner Classic Movies featured the 1945 classic film The Bells of St. Mary's starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. Who could ever have imagined then, the situation we would face today.
Is there anywhere in scripture that tells us when to stock up or that some will be told of the coming of the end of the world?
I’m just wondering (as I head to Sams Club to get beans and rice!).
” Now, the Swiss Guard are one of the better security forces in the world. The purple-and-gold medieval dress they wear is for show....they are, in reality, highly-trained men who can put some serious hurt on anyone who intends harm on the Pope.”
I remember reading that they wear bulletproof vests under their shirts and are highly trained to engage in had to hand combat.
As for St. Malachi, after Benedict, the next pope is supposed to be an apostate.
Only the Father in heaven knows.
There are many who would say your faith in God is weak if you stock up with food but if the end is here, you won’t need it and if it is just hard times, people who are stocked up are, at least, not part of the problem.
Just be sure and buy things that you like so they aren’t wasted.
Once again, your assessment of the situation is precise. You are correct about the truth no longer being hidden (Matt. 24:14), hence it is rejected by those who embrace what the world offers. The gospel messages are suddenly becoming crystal clear to those who have placed their trust in God (Matt. 24:23-31).
Thank you for an excellent post!
Says it all. This nation will be punished for her sins and leading other nations into sin.
HA! Maybe a bag of rice and a whole lot of Mac and Cheese!
We are not big bean people.
“Scripture gives some fairly specific time frames but, to be candid, I don’t know how reliable these are or if they were meant to apply today or to past events. God’s notion of time is not ours.”
True. I think that people are way to literal and eager to believe that the end is near. Right before the first Millennium peopel thought the end was near and it didn’t happen.
On a slightly humerous note, I think Jesus should have been a bit more specific when he meant ‘soon.’
We’ve had a lot of times when nihilism has reigned, but I don’t think it was any more blatant than now.
I would have to disagree with them. Being prepared for a famine has nothing to do with the degree of faith one has in God.
Discerning that hard times are coming may in fact, be a blessing from God to those He wishes to help others with their largess.
Can the Lord, please open the heart of the empty-suit in regards to his stance on abortion and letting surviving infants of abortion, denied medical care and allowed to die. A crime against humanity, who will speak up for these defenseless souls?/Just Asking - seoul62......
A friend of mine has received a message that we must pray the Rosary to stop abortion in the United States.
Also after receiving Communion pray to call down angels to help fight the world here on earth by saying:
Three Hail Marys
One Our Father
Prayer of St. Michael
Glory Be
MUST be right after Communion while the Body and Blood of Christ are still in your body.
PS. I, too, have heard some strange whistles — two in a row.
St. Don Bosco’s focus was entirely on Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist as well as Our Blessed Virgin, Defender of ALL Christians. Let this same focus be our source of protection and happiness.
We are in the Garden of Gethsemane — the passion will be upon us soon. But after the world is purified, the resurrection will follow. Glory be to God!
I also recommend people read the blog of a gifted Canadian mystic and songwriter named Mark Mallett.
I’ll take the beans, you can have the rice, works out perfectly.
LOL! Deal!
| Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Reading 1 Responsorial Psalm Reading 2 Gospel |
Reading 1
Is 25:6-10a
On this mountain the LORD of hosts
will provide for all peoples
a feast of rich food and choice wines,
juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the veil that veils all peoples,
the web that is woven over all nations;
he will destroy death forever.
The Lord GOD will wipe away
the tears from every face;
the reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.
On that day it will be said:
"Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!"
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R. (6cd) I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Reading II
Phil 4:12-14, 19-20
Brothers and sisters:
I know how to live in humble circumstances;
I know also how to live with abundance.
In every circumstance and in all things
I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry,
of living in abundance and of being in need.
I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.
My God will fully supply whatever you need,
in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.
Gospel
Mt 22:1-14 or 22:1-10
Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people
in parables, saying,
"The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants
to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them.
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come.
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.’
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests.
But when the king came in to meet the guests,
he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.
The king said to him, 'My friend, how is it
that you came in here without a wedding garment?'
But he was reduced to silence.
Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet,
and cast him into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’
Many are invited, but few are chosen."
or
Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people
in parables, saying,
"The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants
to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
'Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast."’
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business.
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them.
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.
Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come.
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.’
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests."
My homestate CT just ruled on the gay marriage issue and if this gay marriage thing gains traction, those Christian Churches that accept what the Bible says on marriage are going to come under attack to accept those types of weddings.
We may see the Christian Church go underground bigtime via home churches.
?
"But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, 22 but the Father alone.
Matthew 24:34
No need to stock up on beans and rice. Just keep praying.
It’s a great money-making opportunity!
Post-Rapture Pet Care! (http://www.postrapturepetcare.com/)
Post-Rapture Emails! (http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-05-08-post-rapture_N.htm)
How to Profit from the Rapture! (http://www.amazon.com/How-Profit-Coming-Rapture-Getting/dp/0316017302)
Thank you, My FRiend!
I’ve often thought the same thing. Joseph was blessed with his dreams and look what happened there.
"Have I got time for a cup of coffee?"
John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me".
The Good Shepherd protects his sheep, as God, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will protect us in time of trouble. If Jesus is truly our shepherd and we can hear His voice, he may be telling us to stock up! (I've been stocking for awhile now)
I can't remember precisely how that old joke went about a fella caught on the top of his roof in a flood - the storm raged and he would be engulfed and die if not rescued.
Someone came by in a row boat, but the fella refused to get in saying "God will save me", then someone came by in a helicopter, but he refused to get in saying "God will save me"..
In the end, the fella dies and in heaven asks God why He didn't save him and God answers "I tried! I sent you a boat, a helicopter, etc.."
I think the man in the boat may represent those who hear, but do not listen, to that voice inside (the Holy Spirit), trying to tell thm to get in the boat.
We are used to the drama of past days. The question is, will it cause us to miss the Truth?
Arm a geddin off this thread.
Thanks but I was not looking for the link. My question was how do those readings relate to the topic?
As for the Prophecy of the Popes, I believe the prophecy of Peter II was not found in the original version of the the prophecies. It is somewhat dubious as to whether it is a proper part of the prophecy. (Say that three times fast! :-)
No. That is when the churches begin an orchestrated round of massive civil disobedience and make them try to shut them down! Maybe the first few lawsuits will get the churches, while we're on the subject, to see how the cards are stacked, and force them off their self-imposed silent pulpits, previously cultivated in deference to their all-important tax-exempt status. Maybe the silver lining will be the scenario where nearly all churches will "tell it like it is" before and during the 2010 mid-term elections...and thereafter!
St. Malachi doesn't say that. If Benedict the XVI is Gloria Olivae, the next pope (if one goes straight ahead and assumes there is no break here) is Petrus Romanus, who will hardly be an apostate! Here is the relevant text:
In persecutione extrema S.R.E. sedebit Petrus Romanus, qui pascet oves in multis tribulationibus: quibus transactis civitas septicollis diruetur, & Judex tremêdus judicabit populum suum. Finis. (In extreme persecution, the seat of the Holy Roman Church will be occupied by Peter the Roman, who will feed the sheep through many tribulations, at the term of which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the formidable Judge will judge his people. The End.)
While I'm open to argument to the contrary, I'm inclined to believe the prophecy is genuine. If so, I certainly don't see Petrus Romanus as anything even remotely like an apostate, though, dovetailing this with the tribulation spokenof in Scripture, I can certainly see this pope doing what he can to lead the Church during a period of mass apostasy all around him. But that's a very different thing!
This doesn't sound like metaphorical "darkness," but like the real thing, perhaps the "three days of darkness" described by the Garabandal visionaries.
The physical plants of churches may begin to shut down, but the church itself will not. As long as there are priests and faithful, the church goes on, and even if there are very few priests, the church will go on. As long as one validly-ordained bishop still lives, the church lives.
The Romans couldn't stamp us out, the Elizabethan persecutions couldn't (entirely) stamp us out, the French revolution couldn't stamp us out, the Communists couldn't stamp us out. Neither will this persecution.
Yes - my thoughts exactly.
God bless Benedict XVI for addressing the ill conceived practices of certain bishops and setting an example for ALL of them to follow. We have already witnessed the fruits of his visit to the US earlier this year in the collective addresses from US bishops towards Senator Pelosi, Biden and others.
The darkness described is similar to that of Egypt when Pharaoh refused to let the Hebrew nation leave. Inky black to the point of not being able to see one’s hand. It might even be some physical phenomenon akin to a black hole, only dealing with light. (Obviously not the mass of a black hole, but something not well understood in particle physics.)
Just something to keep in mind ...
I have a ton or two of shelf-stable dried food (some has already been given to poor(er) people), and the other day I opened a bucket to check and sample the food. This particular bucket is a mix of rice, lentils, cereal and other dried vegetable products. We boiled it, of course, and after cooling enough to eat, my immediate reaction is that this was better tasting than what I normally eat and certainly more healthful. No way to detect it wasn't packed yesterday although some nutritional deterioration is expected to occur after 9 years.
I guess there are some who would say your faith in God is weak if you get treated for a serious illness instead of just letting God take care of it but I don't see it that way.
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