WHY THEY BELIEVE
Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Lk 21:5-11
I often wonder if people really listen to Jesus when they read this part of Jesus’ apocalyptic teaching. Every so often, some people or some groups appear claiming to know more than what the Bible says about the end of the world. Sometimes, these people and groups even announce an actual date when the end will come. Others also declare knowledge how anyone can be saved from the often-frightening events that come with the end. Unfortunately, many believe them.
What makes people believe in false prophets who claim that they know exact details about the end of the world? Three things I suppose.
First, ignorance of the Bible. If they really know the Bible, they should know that Jesus Himself said that no one knows when the end will be. “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father,” said Jesus in Mt 13:32. So how can anyone claim he or she knows better than the Son?
Second, distrust in God. If they really trust God, even as they may have some fears about the apocalyptic details of the end times, they would not panic. Believing in false prophets about the end times is very often the result of panicking about the end of the world. Panic is the child of fear. Fear is the sister of distrust. Distrust is the enemy of faith in God.
Third, laziness. Some people think that by simply being counted in a group they will be spared of the trials that accompany the coming of the end. But the end will fall on every single living creature. When the end comes, it will be the end for all and the beginning of a new order for everyone. No one can run away or hide from it. Affiliation with a particular doomsday prophet or sect will not make things easy for anyone in the end. Even belonging to the Catholic Church or positions of office in it spare no one the difficult task of remaining vigilant and prepared for the Second Coming of Jesus. Lazy people just wait for the end of the world, but the rest prepare for it by converting from their sinful ways.
If in my preaching I tell you that I know exactly when the end of the world will be, please do not believe me. I am lying. Know the Bible. Trust in God. Do not be lazy.
Lk 21:5-11
I often wonder if people really listen to Jesus when they read this part of Jesus’ apocalyptic teaching. Every so often, some people or some groups appear claiming to know more than what the Bible says about the end of the world. Sometimes, these people and groups even announce an actual date when the end will come. Others also declare knowledge how anyone can be saved from the often-frightening events that come with the end. Unfortunately, many believe them.
What makes people believe in false prophets who claim that they know exact details about the end of the world? Three things I suppose.
First, ignorance of the Bible. If they really know the Bible, they should know that Jesus Himself said that no one knows when the end will be. “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father,” said Jesus in Mt 13:32. So how can anyone claim he or she knows better than the Son?
Second, distrust in God. If they really trust God, even as they may have some fears about the apocalyptic details of the end times, they would not panic. Believing in false prophets about the end times is very often the result of panicking about the end of the world. Panic is the child of fear. Fear is the sister of distrust. Distrust is the enemy of faith in God.
Third, laziness. Some people think that by simply being counted in a group they will be spared of the trials that accompany the coming of the end. But the end will fall on every single living creature. When the end comes, it will be the end for all and the beginning of a new order for everyone. No one can run away or hide from it. Affiliation with a particular doomsday prophet or sect will not make things easy for anyone in the end. Even belonging to the Catholic Church or positions of office in it spare no one the difficult task of remaining vigilant and prepared for the Second Coming of Jesus. Lazy people just wait for the end of the world, but the rest prepare for it by converting from their sinful ways.
If in my preaching I tell you that I know exactly when the end of the world will be, please do not believe me. I am lying. Know the Bible. Trust in God. Do not be lazy.
posted by Fr. Bobby @ 4:00 PM
1 Comments
1 Comments:
My inaugural address at the Great White Throne Judgment of the Dead, after I have raptured out billions!
My site: http://www.angelfire.com/crazy/spaceman
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