December 19, 2024

End Time

Advent and the End Times: What Advent Teaches Us About the Second Coming!

Mother & Refuge010 mins

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas; it’s a call to spiritual renewal, a season of hope, and a time to prepare not just for the celebration of Christ’s birth, but for His glorious return at the end of time. In the hustle of the holiday season, Advent whispers a reminder: Stay awake. Be ready. He is coming. In this article, we’ll explore the deep significance of Advent, its connection to the end times, how the saints approached it, practical ways to prepare, and powerful prayers to guide you through this sacred season.     Here’s a comprehensive and engaging article on the theme of Advent, the end times, and preparation for Christ’s return. It’s packed with information, guides, and prayers, as requested. Advent and the End Times: Preparing for Christ’s Coming Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas; it’s a call to spiritual renewal, a season of hope, and a time to prepare not just for the celebration of Christ’s birth, but for His glorious return at the end of time. In the hustle of the holiday season, Advent whispers a reminder: Stay awake. Be ready. He is coming. In this article, we’ll explore the deep significance of Advent, its connection to the end times, how the saints approached it, practical ways to prepare, and powerful prayers to guide you through this sacred season. 1. Advent: A Time of Double Preparation Advent has a twofold purpose: Remembering the First Coming of Christ – His humble birth in Bethlehem. Anticipating the Second Coming of Christ – His triumphant return at the end of time. The Church, in her wisdom, uses these weeks to immerse us in hope, repentance, and joyful expectation. The Advent wreath, with its four candles, symbolizes the light of Christ breaking into the darkness of the world and our lives. 2. What the Church Teaches About the End Times The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: The Final Judgment: Christ will come to judge the living and the dead (CCC 1038-1041). The Signs of the Times: Wars, natural disasters, and moral decay are reminders to stay vigilant (Matthew 24:6-8). Hope, Not Fear: For the faithful, the Second Coming is a moment of joy, as we await the full establishment of God’s Kingdom. Advent is a perfect time to reflect on these truths. Are we living as if Christ could come today? 3. Lessons from the Saints on Advent and the End Times The saints lived Advent every day, always ready to meet the Lord. Here are their insights: Saint Augustine: “The one who loves Christ’s coming is not afraid of it.” Live in a way that you desire His return. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: Taught about the “three comings of Christ”—in Bethlehem, into our hearts daily, and at the end of time. Saint Alphonsus Liguori: Urged daily prayer and examination of conscience to prepare for eternity. Reflect on their wisdom and ask for their intercession during Advent. 4. How to Prepare During Advent: A Guide Here’s a roadmap for living Advent intentionally: A. Daily Practices Prayer: Dedicate time each day to speak with God. Use Advent-specific prayers (see below). Scripture: Reflect on the Advent readings, especially from Isaiah and the Gospels. Silence: Create moments of quiet to listen to God’s voice. B. Acts of Repentance Confession: Make a good examination of conscience and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fasting: Offer small sacrifices to purify your heart and align it with Christ. C. Works of Mercy Corporal Works: Feed the hungry, visit the lonely, donate to those in need. Spiritual Works: Encourage the doubtful, pray for the living and the dead, forgive offenses. D. Family and Community Traditions Advent Wreath: Light the candles and pray as a family each week. Jesse Tree: Decorate a tree with symbols from salvation history. Service Projects: Volunteer as a family to spread the love of Christ. 5. Powerful Advent Prayers A. Prayer for the First Week of Advent Heavenly Father, stir up Your power and come. Let Your light dispel the darkness in our hearts. As we await the coming of Your Son, may we prepare with joy and hope. Amen. B. Prayer to Be Ready for Christ’s Return Lord Jesus, awaken in me a longing for Your return. Help me to live each day as if it were my last, with faith, love, and joy. Come, Lord Jesus, and renew the face of the earth. Amen. C. Marian Advent Prayer O Blessed Virgin Mary, you awaited the birth of your Son with perfect faith. Teach us to wait with patience and trust, and intercede for us as we prepare to welcome Christ into our hearts and homes. Amen. 6. Signs of Hope in Troubled Times Advent reminds us that no matter how dark the world seems, God’s light is stronger. The Incarnation is proof that God is with us—Emmanuel. The end times aren’t about fear; they’re about the fulfillment of God’s promises. As Saint John Paul II said, “We are the Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song!” Advent invites us to carry this hope into the world, especially in moments of trial. 7. A Checklist for Advent Readiness Here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track: Have I set aside daily time for prayer and reflection? Have I gone to Confession to prepare my heart? Am I making small sacrifices to grow in virtue? Am I reaching out to those in need? Am I sharing the message of hope with others? Conclusion: Advent Is the Season of Hope Advent isn’t just a tradition; it’s a mission. It’s a call to prepare our hearts, not just for Christmas Day, but for eternity. Whether Christ returns tomorrow or centuries from now, we are called to live with joyful anticipation. As we light the candles of the Advent wreath, may our hearts burn with the desire to welcome Jesus, now and forever. Come, Lord Jesus, and may we be ready when You come again in glory.

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Reading This Will Stop You from Committing Sin! Sufferings of Hell, Revealed to a 20th Century Mystic!

Mother & Refuge02 mins

Hell is a real place. But what is it like exactly? While the Bible gives us some clues, the 20th century mystic St. Faustina received a particularly vivid vision, which she recorded in her diary. Note that such “private revelations” are not on the same level of the divine revelation given by God in Jesus Christ. Catholics are not obliged to believe private revelations – but they can nonetheless aid someone in their faith. “Today I was led by an Angel to the chasms of hell,” St. Faustina writes in her diary (741). “It is a place of great torture; how awesomely large and extensive it is!” “The kinds of tortures I saw…” she begins, and then lists the seven kinds of sufferings of hell she saw: “The first torture that constitutes hell is the loss of God; “The second is perpetual remorse of conscience; “The third is that one’s condition will never change; “The fourth is the fire that will penetrate the soul without destroying it – a terrible suffering, since it is a purely spiritual fire, lit by God’s anger; “The fifth torture is continual darkness and a terrible suffocating smell, and, despite the darkness, the devils and the souls of the damned see each other and all the evil, both of others and their own; “The sixth torture is the constant company of Satan; “The seventh torture is horrible despair, hatred of God, vile words, curses and blasphemies.” Read more…

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Angel of the Apocalypse | St. Vincent Ferrer Prophecies of EndTimes

Mother & Refuge013 mins

When the Pope used the term ‘Angel of the Apocalypse’ in the Middle Ages, people knew he was talking about St. Vincent Ferrer St. Vincent Ferrer earned the title preaching the Gospel powerfully and persuasively, often on the Final Judgment and the coming of the Antichrist. Even Pius II’s Bull of Canonization called St. Vincent Ferrer “the Angel of the Apocalypse, flying through the heavens to announce the day of the Last Judgment, to evangelize the inhabitants of the earth.” This year marks the 600th anniversary of St. Vincent Ferrer’s death on April 5, 1419, yet his words remain as powerful and necessary as ever. Before looking at his preaching on the Last Judgment, the Antichrist and the End of the World, let’s understand how powerful a preacher he was all over Europe, beginning in his native Spain, by looking at a mere speck of who he reached and the miracles he performed. As a Dominican priest, Vincent Ferrer preached in his own native language or Latin, yet wherever he went, everyone miraculously understood his every word as if he were preaching in their language. Sinners by the thousands, even the most hardened, repented. When the curious Moorish king sent for him, after Vincent Ferrer gave just three sermons, 8,000 Moors converted and wanted to be baptized. Modest estimates put his conversion of Jews in city after city in Spain at 25,000. At one major church conference, Vincent’s preaching saw 14 of 16 rabbis converted on the spot. In Toledo as Jews became Christians they turned their synagogue into a church under the Blessed Mother. Like Jesus raising the widow of Naim’s son, thorough the power of Christ St. Vincent stopped a funeral procession and commanded the corpse to rise, restoring the dead man to life. In all, he restored 28 dead people back to life. Even after he died, two dead people placed on his tomb came back to life. He cured countless physical infirmities, working wonders through the name of Jesus and the Sign of the Cross. In one, he restored the use of the limbs of an incurably crippled boy who eventually became the Bishop of Barcelona. In confession, he could read souls. He shared heavenly previews of future events, such as telling a mother her little son would become pope and canonize him — which happened as the boy became Callixtus III. (At the canonization Vincent Ferrer’s body was found incorrupt.) Earlier, during a Barcelona famine, he announced two ships were coming loaded with corn. Nobody believed. That same day, as predicted, the ships arrived. Highly devoted to the Blessed Mother, he preached and demonstrated the power of the Rosary through immediate conversion obtained through praying it. Preaching the Last Judgement Jesus will come not like his first coming in humility and poverty, but “in such majesty and power that the whole world will tremble,” began Angel of the Apocalypse in a sermon. When he powerfully detailed the glory and the horror of separating the sheep and goats described in Matthew 25, record has it sinners were frightened and cried. He wanted them to do so because he himself was fearful of that day and fearful for all those he preached to. Vincent told the throngs:  People will say ‘to the mountains and the rocks: Fall upon us, and hide us from the face of him who sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb’ (Revelation 6:16). Yet Jesus said, ‘But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads,’ ‘because your redemption is at hand’ (Luke 21:28).The Blessed Mother shall sit with him. Jesus will separate the peoples of the nations as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. St. Vincent cautioned, “On that day it will be better to be a sheep of Jesus Christ that to have been a pope, or king, or emperor.” Vincent powerfully detailed five virtues revealed in Scripture that distinguishes the sheep: “simple innocence, ample mercy, steadfast patience, true obedience, and worthy penance.” First, simple innocence is when a person “lives simply, nor hurts anyone in his heart, by hating, nor by defaming in speech, nor striking with hands, nor by stealing. Such a life “is called simple innocence, which makes a man a sheep of Christ.” In each case, St. Vincent next colorfully details reasons why. A sheep doesn’t attack with horns like a bull…  …nor bite with its teeth like a wolf, nor strike with hooves like a horse… if you wish to be a sheep of Christ, you should strike no one with horns of knowledge or of power, for lawyers strike by the horns of knowledge, jurists, advocates, or men who have great knowledge. Merchants by deceiving others. Lords and bullies strike with the horns of power, plundering or injuring, and extorting, using calumnies and threats, and the like. Listen to what the Lord says by the mouth of David: ‘And I will break all the horns of sinners: but the horns of the just shall be exalted’ (Psalm 74:11). “Biting” is to defame your neighbor’s reputation, and devour by saying “nothing good praising someone, but only the bad,” so “defamers are not the sheep of Christ, but wolves of hell.” Kicking like horses means to despise. Therefore, he warns, “children, do not hate your parents; nor parents, children; nor young people, old folks; nor the healthy, the sick; nor rich, the poor; nor masters, their servants; nor prelates, their clergy; and vice versa. It is clear what is simple innocence.” Second, ample mercy means distributing your God-given temporal and spiritual gifts to the needy. “Because,” Vincent illustrates, “among all the animals a sheep is the most beneficial of animals.  For the sheep by growing wool, shows us mercy and benefits of mercy, because how many poor people does a sheep clothe?” Sheep give milk and food to eat to. We imitate and give love this way: our wool is “external and temporal goods, bread and wine, money and clothes…

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St. Padre Pio’s 3 Simple Weapons for Spiritual Warfare

Mother & Refuge16 mins

In the life of a devout Catholic, the concept of spiritual warfare is ever-present. We are constantly reminded of the battle between good and evil, light and darkness, and the need for steadfastness in our faith. St. Padre Pio, a revered saint and mystic, provides profound insights into this struggle. Known for his piety, miracles, and deep spiritual wisdom, St. Padre Pio emphasized three simple yet powerful weapons in the battle against the forces of evil: prayer, the sacraments, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. 1. Prayer: The Foundation of Spiritual Life Prayer is the cornerstone of any spiritual life, serving as our direct line of communication with God. St. Padre Pio was a man of deep prayer, often found in fervent conversation with the Divine. He understood prayer not just as a ritual, but as a vital, living relationship with God. Padre Pio once said, “Prayer is the best weapon we possess. It is the key to God’s heart.” Through prayer, we draw closer to God, seeking His guidance, strength, and protection. It is in moments of prayer that we fortify our spirits, gain clarity, and find peace amidst the chaos of life. St. Padre Pio encouraged both personal and communal prayer, emphasizing the importance of the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other devotions. 2. The Sacraments: Channels of Grace The sacraments are visible signs of God’s invisible grace, instituted by Christ Himself. For St. Padre Pio, the sacraments were essential in maintaining spiritual health and fortitude. He particularly emphasized the importance of the Eucharist and Confession. The Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life, provides spiritual nourishment and unites us intimately with Christ. Padre Pio’s devotion to the Mass was profound; he often experienced mystical phenomena during the celebration of the Eucharist. He taught that receiving the Body and Blood of Christ strengthens us against the temptations and trials we face. Confession, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation, was another cornerstone of Padre Pio’s ministry. He spent countless hours hearing confessions, offering guidance, and absolving sins. He believed that frequent confession cleanses the soul, restores grace, and empowers the faithful to resist the snares of the devil. 3. The Blessed Virgin Mary: Our Heavenly Advocate St. Padre Pio had an immense devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he saw as a powerful advocate and protector in the spiritual battle. He often urged the faithful to turn to Mary in times of need, trusting in her intercession and maternal care. Mary, the Mother of God, is the model of perfect discipleship and obedience to God’s will. Her “yes” to God brought forth our Savior, and her continued intercession aids us in our journey towards holiness. Padre Pio frequently recommended the Rosary as a powerful weapon against evil, referring to it as “the weapon” for our times. By meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life through the Rosary, we deepen our understanding of His love and sacrifice, and we invite Mary’s protection and guidance into our lives. Conclusion In the midst of spiritual warfare, St. Padre Pio’s simple yet profound counsel reminds us of the tools we have at our disposal. Through steadfast prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we arm ourselves with the grace and strength needed to resist evil and grow in holiness. As we navigate the trials of life, let us remember Padre Pio’s wisdom and seek to incorporate these spiritual weapons into our daily lives. Through them, we draw closer to God and stand firm in our faith, ever ready to combat the forces that seek to draw us away from His love.

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All 7 fallen angels’ names and meanings with their deadly sins | Know Your Enemy!

Mother & Refuge012 mins

The concept of the 7 fallen angels has long captured the imagination of theologians and the public. Once revered for their beauty and wisdom, these powerful celestial beings succumbed to the allure of sin and were cast out of heaven. Their fall from grace is an advisory about the dangers of sin. But what are the 7 fallen angels names and meanings? Fallen angels are celestial beings who have rebelled against God and fallen from grace. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, fallen angels were created to serve and worship God. However, some rebelled against God out of pride, ambition or a desire for independence. Their names and roles often symbolise the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of sin. The most famous fallen angel is Lucifer, who became known as Satan or the devil after his rebellion. What is the difference between an archangel and a fallen angel? Archangels are high-ranking angels who serve God and carry out His will. Examples include Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel. They are powerful spiritual beings who remain loyal to God. Fallen angels are angels who rebelled against God and followed Satan in his revolt. They were expelled from heaven and now work against God’s purposes. The most prominent fallen angel is Satan, also known as Lucifer. 7 fallen angels names and meanings How many fallen angels are there? The Bible does not provide a definitive count of the number of fallen angels. However, the seven commonly known fallen angels are: Angel names Meanings Deadly sins Lucifer: The Fallen Light-Bearer Light-bearer Pride Azazel: The Scapegoat of Sin Strong one or God strengthens Envy Belial: The Worthless One Worthless or wicked Greed Beelzebub: The Lord of the Flies Lord of the flies Gluttony Abaddon: The Angel of Destruction Destruction or place of destruction Wrath Asmodeus: The King of Lust To destroy or the evil spirit of lust Lust Mammon: The God of Greed Wealth or riches Greed 1. Lucifer: The Fallen Light-Bearer Lucifer, whose name means “light-bearer” in Latin, is one of the fallen angels in the Bible. He was once the most beautiful and powerful angel. However, his pride and ambition led him to rebel against God, believing he could overthrow the divine order and rule heaven himself. In Christian tradition, Lucifer’s fall from grace is seen as the origin of Satan, the ultimate embodiment of evil. His rebellion symbolises the danger of unchecked ego and the consequences of prioritising self-interest over divine purpose. What is Lucifer’s real name? Lucifer, one of the original names before his fall from grace, is a matter of debate among scholars and theologians. 2. Azazel: The Scapegoat of Sin Azazel, whose name means “strong one” or “God strengthens,” is associated with the ritual of Yom Kippur in Jewish tradition. On this holy day, a goat was chosen to symbolically bear the people’s sins and sent into the wilderness, carrying away the community’s impurities. In some apocryphal texts, Azazel is depicted as a fallen angel who taught humans the art of metalworking and cosmetics, corrupting them with vanity and materialism. His deadly sin is envy, as he sought to undermine God’s creation through temptation and deception. 3. Belial: The Worthless One Belial, meaning ‘worthless’ or ‘wicked,’ is often associated with lawlessness, rebellion, and the corruption of justice. In some traditions, he is seen as the personification of evil, leading humans astray with promises of power and pleasure. Belial’s deadly sin is greed, as he tempts people to abandon their moral principles to pursue wealth, status, and worldly success. His influence is believed to erode the foundations of society, leading to the breakdown of order and the triumph of chaos. 4. Beelzebub: The Lord of the Flies Beelzebub, whose name means “Lord of the Flies” in Hebrew, is often depicted as a demon or prince of demons in Christian and Islamic traditions. His association with flies symbolises the decay, filth, and distortion of the good he represents. Beelzebub’s deadly sin is gluttony, as he embodies the insatiable appetite for indulgence and excess. He tempts people to overindulge in sensual pleasures, leading to physical and spiritual degradation. His influence is seen in the obsession with material wealth, the worship of false idols, and the neglect of spiritual nourishment.   5. Abaddon: The Angel of Destruction In the Book of Revelation, Abaddon, whose name means “destruction” or “place of destruction” in Hebrew, is associated with the abyss or bottomless pit. He is often depicted as an angel of death or a demon of the underworld. Abaddon’s deadly sin is wrath, as he represents the destructive power of unchecked anger and vengeance. He tempts people to lash out in rage, leading to violence, retribution, and the breakdown of relationships. His influence is seen in the cycle of hatred, the desire for revenge, and the inability to forgive. 6. Asmodeus: The King of Lust Asmodeus, whose name means “to destroy” or “the evil spirit of lust” in Hebrew, is often associated with sexual temptation and the corruption of marriage. In the Book of Tobit, he is depicted as a demon who kills a woman’s husbands on their wedding night. Asmodeus’s deadly sin is lust, as he embodies the uncontrolled desire for physical gratification. He tempts people to prioritise their sexual urges over emotional intimacy, commitment, and respect. His influence is seen in the objectification of others, the breakdown of healthy relationships, and the neglect of spiritual growth.   7. Mammon: The God of Greed Mammon, whose name means ‘wealth’ or ‘riches’ in Aramaic, is often personified as a demon or fallen angel associated with the love of money and material possessions. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns that “you cannot serve both God and Mammon”. Mammon’s deadly sin is Greed, as he embodies the insatiable desire for wealth and the power it brings. He tempts people to prioritise material gain over spiritual well-being, neglecting compassion, generosity, and justice. His influence is seen in the exploitation of others, the hoarding of resources,…

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Prayer to Save Souls During the Warning

Mother & Refuge01 mins

“O God the Almighty Father on behalf of your beloved Son Jesus Christ, and in commemoration of His death on the cross to save us from our sins, I beg you to save souls who cannot save themselves and who may die in mortal sin during The Warning. In atonement for the sufferings of your beloved Son, I urge you to forgive those who are unable to seek redemption because they will not live long enough to ask Jesus Your Son for mercy to free them from sin. Amen. ”

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Dreaming of A Co-Housing of Christ Followers in Australia?

Mother & Refuge03 mins

Dreaming of A Co-Housing of Christ Followers in Australia? Have you ever considered the possibility of being part of a housing development that Lives, Glorifies and Celebrates Christ the King? A place where there is scope for private family living surrounded by opportunities for community, connection, sharing and exchanges with other families and individuals dedicated to the values of Biblical teachings living with a Love of Christ as the corner stone and core foundation of their life. Our family is interested in investigating the possibilities of creating such a community with other Christ families and individuals living in Australia or wanting to establish roots hear. We have identified a large parcel of land which includes 5 cottages and 16 Motal Units (suitable for conversion into studio apartments), a convention hall with commercial kitchen and a second Octagonal Meeting Hall waiting to be transformed and consecrated into a Church. This property located at the border of Victoria and New South Wales backs on to High Country State forests, has several water catchments, fruit orchids and organic gardens set up and ready for rejuvenation. If you are wondering how private and communal can be brought together formally under an umbrella of Christian values please see Co Housing Australia’s web site:-  https://cohousing.com.au/ and also Tasman Village Co Housing https://tasmanecovillage.org.au/ and https://www.visitecovillagefindhorn.uk/ as examples of what can be created by people coming together with common values and a common vision of ideal living. If you are inspired to commence conversations and investigations please contact Christabel via email: – [email protected]  

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Saint Therese: Herald of the Apocalypse?

Mother & Refuge03 mins

Who could describe as “sweet” the reading of a book that gives an account of the rise of the Anti-Christ, the tribulations that will mark the end times, followed by meditations on death, judgment, Heaven and Hell? “Reading this book was one of the greatest graces of my life …The impression I received from it is too sweet to express. All the great truths of religion and the mysteries of eternity plunged into my soul a happiness not of this earth.” So wrote Saint Thérèse in her autobiography about End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life, a book she cherished for preparing her for the trials of monastic life as well as the happiness of Heaven. Here we might be inclined to dismiss Saint Thérèse. We might say: “Sure—Saint Thérèse would enjoy a book like that! She’s a great saint in Heaven who had a high tolerance for pain and suffering in this life!  She was confident in the glory that awaited someone with her sanctity—but what about the rest of us?” Such statements, I believe, misread Therese, misread the book, and misunderstand the sovereignty of God. Thérèse had no illusions about either the trials or the brevity of life; she was no stranger to physical and interior suffering; her discipleship shielded her from no cross. What made the book “sweet” for her was its account of Christ’s inevitable triumph—the victory won at Calvary, a victory confirmed by the Resurrection, a victory we are offered a share in by grace. More than that: Saint Thérèse was sure, in a way that I think most of aren’t, that Christ the King—crucified, risen and returning—is our King who is reigning right now. Read More with Aleteia  

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