22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Today is the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost. According to Honorius of Autun, a Theologian, Philosopher, and encyclopedia writer of the 12th century, today has reference to the days of Antichrist. The Church, foreseeing the reign of the man of sin, and as though she were actually undergoing the persecution which is to surpass all others, takes her Introit of this Sunday from Psalm De profundis, from the 129th psalm.

This Sunday, we hear about giving to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to give to God what is His. What is His is us; you and me individually. This means giving your whole mind, your whole heart, your whole soul, and your whole being to Him. He has created us, and He wants us to be with Him forever in heaven, if we but follow His rules.


Does anyone else think that we are in the end times as I do? Evil is everywhere, anti-Catholic thinking is everywhere, the Bilderbergers control all of the world's money, the US is tanking, and, moreover, everything seems to be in shambles. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. We are just ripe for the entire takeover of everything. Especially with idiots in charge. (with more to come)

This only makes sense, since towards the end of the liturgical year, we are to focus on the end of the world as we know it. We are to supposed to be the light of the world, not hiding under the proverbial basket. St. John Chrysostom says that the "stars shine in the night; they glitter in the dark; so far from growing dim amidst the gloom that surrounds them, they seem all the more brilliant. So will it be with thee, if thou art virtuous amidst the wicked; thy light will shine so much the more clearly." St. Augustine says: "As the stars keep on their course in the track marked out for them by God, and grow not tired of sending forth their light in the midst of darkness, neither heed they the calamities which may be happening of earth; so should do those holy ones whose conversation is truly in heaven; they should pay no more attention to what is said or done against them, than the stars do."

Therefore, in light of what is happening in the world today, no matter how difficult it is to speak the Truth, no matter the persecutions we endure in this life, we are still seeking the Kingdom of God with all of the great things attached to it!

One of the sayings that I have on my desk is this from St. Augustine:

"The True God will let not sheep be deceived that does not want to be deceived. Nor will He abandon any soul that has not first abandoned Him."

Another saying I have is this: "It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." Samuel Adams



PRAYER

Help me, O Lord, for the number of the saints is decreasing and truth is becoming rare among men. Vanity they speak, each to his neighbor: their lips are deceitful, with double hearts speak they. Let the Lord destroy all deceitful lips and boasting tongues which say: We will magnify our tongues; our lips are our own; who is Lord over us? O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips and a deceitful tongue; give me grace to preserve Thy image in my soul by piety and virtue. Direct my heart to justice and keep it away from avarice, that I may give to each his own. (Ps. xi. and cxix.)


Lord, grant us persevere! Please?!