Signs of the Times

Signs of the Times

Listen to the words of Jesus as he spoke of the end that many would be around to see.  Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; and because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.  (Mt 24: 11-13).  I often wonder how many who read or hear this passage will  pass it off as rhetoric and look deeper into scripture to suit their own desires?  

We should remember the words by Simon and Garfunkel; “the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls!”  or the words of silence which stand before each of us today with very few acknowledging the condition we are facing with the absence of spirituality and the increase of apostasy.  For many Christians, especially cafeteria Catholics,  this word means just another description that is found in a catechism read only by bishops or adhered to by authors and Church professors.  Even when Jesus addressed his followers regarding end-times eschatology,  there weren’t volumes of listeners breaking down the doors to hear about the future of mankind.   His disciples were the prime teachers that would begin the trek of preparing mankind for the fulfillment of earlier prophecies.  Reading this section of Matthew and parts of Daniel and Revelation, we get a perfect preview of the end times that will be the beginning of the Tribulation.  This is a time that many will be like the citizens of Noah’s time who just scoffed his building  the Ark.  What type of saving vessel is under construction today?  It comes as the words, written or proclaimed from pulpits, that people must adhere to the message; if writers and preachers are placing it before the congregations of believers.

My article titled, “What is ahead for believers in Christ?” published June 18, 2025, takes this premise of what may be ahead is actually already in its early stages.  We must take seriously this prophecy that began years earlier is now at our finger-tips.  The prophets of years  ago are being rewritten by all of us who write reiterating the truth of what awaits believers in Christ and   God’s manner of saving all of us from eternal damnation.  

Reading items that clarify our sacraments or hand us a light-lifting view of spirituality are necessary to improve our outlook of the Church and catechesis.  Reading about the essence of things that are future that may not interest us now, but rest assured they will.  Absorb the teaching of Christ and become one more disciple of spreading the Good News as Christ did for each of us.  It is his mandate to speak even when it may become difficult.  Paul did this and even Jesus spoke when he knew he would be criticized.  It isn’t to gain accolades but to give to those in need a sign of hope in Christ Jesus.

Ralph B. Hathaway