To-days second reading made me sit up and take notice. Its just so much about what we on this forum have been discussing, namely the Signs of the Times: 1 Thessalonians 5 The Day of the Lord 1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. St Paul here sets apart very clearly two different groups of people, those who are in darkness and those who are wide awake, eyes wide open . Those who read the Signs of the Times and those who do not. He warns if we not awake the Day of the Lord will creep up on us like a thief in the night. Our Lady said that she has buried us with Signs. Funny I was talking to a friend last night about the things that are to come and he looked at me as if I were mad. He told me, 'We're not talking about events to come anynore they are unfolding all around us every day!!' Which of course is true. We stood out in the night looking at the sky. A beautiful full harvest moon, with the most beautiful star very bright before us. But it was remarkable for the clouds looked like the sand as the sea goes out, otherworldy and very lovely. I went to the park and walked round it with the dog in the dark , the park is closed up at night and I was very alone. But such a deep sense and comfort overcame me as I was reminded of the need to trust in God through all that comes. God has given me so much the last fews years, a great job and security, very good health and a deep joy, many firends and family an overwhelming sens eof constant hapiness. ...and yet allt his could go in an instant friends, home ,family...yet at the end I will have what we all of us always have God and so long as we have this we have EVERYTHING.
Padraig, It's amazing how frequently those two words, peace and safety, or at least, peace and security, pop up whenever the world speaks about the Middle East. No matter what direction such conversations take, you can be sure Israel will be at the center. I believe that well over 80% of the resolutions passed by the General Assembly of the United Nations have dealt with that little piece of real estate! Israel will surely play a key role in the fulfilment of the prophecies surrounding the Day of the Lord! Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary! Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
But, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery: the Jews are not cut off for ever!" (Romans 11:22 & 25) "If God has grafted you, who are the unnatural branches onto the olive tree, how much more easily can he graft them back onto the tree from which they came?" (Romans 11:24) "Think of how much the gentile world has benefited from the fall and defection of the Jews! Now, think of how greatly the world will benefit by the conversion of them all!" (Romans 11:12) "When that day comes I will pour out my Spirit on all mankind!" (Joel 2:28) Funny Terry , I think that passage from St Paul about the return of the Jews to faith in Jesus would come about and I think it implies they would lead the Church. For the first time I noticed this passage which says that it was necessary for the Jews to turn away from Jesus in order for we Gentiles to believe. So the lack of faith of the jews was a benefit to us all. Anyhow how could the Jews ll decide right together tojoin the Church ,to recognise Jesus? Well it could be the Illumination of Conscience..or it could be...events in Israel....but its a scriptural promise, they return to the messiah, Jesus http://www.newjerusalem.com/worldsend.htm
