The Sunday Sermon Archive

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today draws to a close the Ecclesiastical year. Our Holy Mother the Church presents to us in the Gospel reading for today (Saint Matthew 24:15-35) the prophetic words of Jesus concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World.

The destruction of Jerusalem is now a historical fact, which gives even greater credence to the second part of these prophecies, which relate to Jesus' return at the Second Coming.

Saint John Chrysostom says: "Having finished with what concerned Jerusalem, the Lord passes on to what concerns His Own Coming and speaks of the signs that will accompany it, and this not only for their guidance, but for ours also, and for all who come after us: 'Then, if any man shall say to you: Lo, here is Christ, or there; do not believe him. For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets.' Here He is speaking of Antichrist and of certain of his servants, whom He calls false Christs and false prophets, of whom there were many even at the time of the Apostles. But before Christ's Second Coming, there shall be others, more bitter than these. 'And shall show great signs and wonders.'"

Saint Augustine says: "Here the Lord warns us, so that we may be aware that even wicked men can work certain miracles, which even the saints cannot. Yet not because of this are they to be held as greater before God."

Saint Augustine offers beautiful insights into the darkening of the sun and moon and the falling of the stars. "The Church is the sun, moon, and stars; to whom it was said: 'Fair as the moon, bright as the sun' (Cant. 6:9). For then will the sun be darkened and moon not give her light; when the Church will not be seen, because of the unmeasured fury of her godless persecutors. Then the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven be moved: when many who seemed to shine with the grace of God shall yield to their persecutors and fall; and even the most courageous of the faithful shall be troubled. And it is said this will take place after the tribulation of those days; not that these things will happen when the whole tribulation is over, but that tribulation will come first, that the apostasy of some may follow: and because this shall be so through all these days, it shall be following the tribulation of these days, but nevertheless it shall happen during these same days."

We see clearly that the Church was darkened or eclipsed by the false "Vatican II council." Perhaps the anti-Christ has not yet risen, but anti-popes, anti-bishops, anti-priests, and anti-religious have all been parading before us since the implementation of the "Vatican II council." The New Church, with its New Mass, new definitions, and goals, is very much a success in the eyes of the world. The false ecumenism that is preached and endorsed in the "Vatican II Church" is welcomed by all the non-Catholics throughout the world. The New Church boldly proclaims that it is equal to all the other "sister" religions. The New Church boldly declares that it does not have The Truth or The Way, but rather a truth or a way (just another of many "truths" or "ways"). We accept them at their word and clearly declare that the "Vatican II Church" is not The Catholic Church, but is instead what they claim to be — one among many religions that have rejected the infallible teachings and guidance of the Holy Ghost, and have embraced indifferentism and rationalism as if there was some correct reason or logic in it.

We observe these things with great concern, but also with patience and prayers so that many more shall open their eyes, see, understand, abandon the false religions, and enter The True Church to be united with The True Jesus Christ. The non-Catholic religions and their leaders present an easier way here on earth with promises of Heaven, but in actuality what they promise they cannot deliver because the one and only path to eternal happiness is in following Jesus in self-denial and the daily carrying of our cross; instructed, guided, and sanctified with the graces God dispenses through His, One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Saint Augustine continues: "We shall know that it is nigh when we see, not some of the promised signs, but all of them, including this; that the Son of Man shall be seen coming. And He shall send His angels from the four parts of the world; that is, He will gather together His elect from the whole earth. All this He does at that last hour (I John. 2:18), coming in His members as in the clouds, or in the whole Church as in a great cloud; as He now comes without ceasing. But then He shall come with great power and majesty; because greater power and majesty shall be seen by the saints, to whom He shall give great virtue, that they may not be overcome by such persecution."

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire, guide, and protect us!

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