Trust God

A friend and I were discussing the end times last night. I found this and thought it an appropriate addition to our talk. . . . which was left completely unfinished and begs for further time. (no puns intended). This is for Randy
--> Randy, be sure and read these two articles, also: Glory of the Olives and, as Monty Python would say, "now for something completely different" (or at least from a different perspective): Rolling Stone magazine's article by James Lovelock - Prophet of Climate Change


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Jesus (told) the disciples not to have fear but to face difficulties, misunderstandings and even persecutions with trust, persevering in faith in him.

"When you hear of wars and insurrections," the Lord says, "do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end" (Luke 21:9).

Mindful of this admonition of the Lord, the Church has from the very beginning lived in the prayerful expectation of the Lord's return, scrutinizing the signs of the times and putting the faithful on guard against recurring messianic movements that from time to time proclaim that the end of the world is imminent.

In reality, history must follow its course, which also brings human dramas and natural calamities with it. A plan of salvation that Christ has already carried out in his incarnation, death, and resurrection develops in history. The Church continues to proclaim and realize this mystery through preaching, the celebration of the sacraments and the witness of charity.

Dear brothers and sisters, let us welcome Christ's invitation to face daily events trusting in his providential love. Let us not be afraid of the future, even when it appears bleak to us, for the God of Jesus Christ, who took up history to open it up to its transcendent fulfillment, is its alpha and omega, the beginning and the end (cf. Revelation 1:8). He guarantees that in every little but genuine act of love the meaning of the whole universe is contained, and those who do not hesitate to lose their lives for him, will find them again in fullness (cf. Matthew 16:25).

May Mary, Mother of the Incarnate Word, accompany us on the earthly pilgrimage. We ask her to support the witness of all Christians, that it always rest on a solid and persevering faith.

SOURCE; VATICAN CITY, NOV. 18, 2007 (Zenit.org).- a translation of a part of the address Benedict XVI delivered on 11/18/07 before reciting the midday Angelus with several thousand people gathered in St. Peter's Square. [Translation by ZENIT]