"When?" says the Spirit!

“When?” says the Spirit!

We may hear the bells of the Church ringing, or see the doves making their way on the wind of the heavens, but when the Lord calls; what reaction will we acclaim when he touches our hearts?

Usually it is not with a crescendo leading a band or fireworks exploding all around us.  But within the silence of a tiny whisper that might just be your personal invitation to take one more look at what it is that doesn’t let go so easily.  

If there ever was a time in human history where ministers of his Word are needed; it is now - 2026.  All around us are threats of disaster that could mean the impending elimination of humanity as we know it.  One only needs to look at the Books of Daniel, Revelation, and other Old Testament prophets warning of Apocalyptic events that are already impending on the world scene.

From the prophet Ezekiel we read; Son of man, these men have the memory of their idols fresh in their hearts, and they keep the occasion of their sin before them.  Therefore say to the house of Israel: Thus says the Lord God: Return and be converted from all your idols; turn yourselves away from all your abominations.  (Ez 14: 3, 6).

In the second year of Darius, in the eight month, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah!  “Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.  Be not like your fathers whom the former prophets warned: Thus says the Lord of hosts:  Turn from your evil ways and from your wicked deeds.  But they would not listen or pay attention to me, says the Lord.  Your fathers, where are they?  And the prophets, can they live forever?”  (Zec 1: 1, 3 - 5).

At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people;  It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time.  At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found in the book.  And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.  (Dn 12: 1, 3).  

Who among us is the one that will lead the many back to God?  That time is not a supposed moment, it is an imminent need to save so many who may never know their Christ beyond their idols; treasures, pleasures, and a loss of holiness that was theirs through Baptism.   The warnings were always there; now the leaders of the Church - you and I - are here to promote salvation that Christ gave us by the outpouring of his Blood.

Ralph B. Hathaway