A Sunday Thought About the World We Live In

We Catholics sometimes refer to the world we live in as a "Vale of Tears." There's nothing negative, morbid, or depressing here. It's simply an accurate description. 

In Timothy 2, St. Paul speaks of "dangerous times" which he also labels "the last times." As we know, the early Christians expected the Lord to return soon. While it's now been two millennia since that anticipated arrival, we know the world will indeed end some day, with Our Lord's triumphant return.

One thought: If the universe is actually billions of years old, put into that time perspective, Our Lord will in fact be returning "soon." Just a thought.

In any case. reading St. Paul's description of this dangerous world, it's hard not to look around and compare to our own world today. Doesn't the description fit?

Know also this, that, in the last days, shall come dangerous times. 2 Men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, haughty, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, wicked, 3 Without affection, without peace, slanderers, incontinent, unmerciful, without kindness, 4 Traitors, stubborn, puffed up, and lovers of pleasures more than of God: 5 Having an appearance indeed of godliness, but denying the power thereof. Now these avoid.

NB: We are exhorted to avoid such types. Great advice.

Now he adds what we should already know and be prepared for:

...all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse: erring, and driving into error. 14 But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned, and which have been committed to thee: knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And because from thy infancy thou hast known the holy scriptures, which can instruct thee to salvation, by the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Between our fallen human nature and the machinations of the Devil, evil, left unchecked, grows stronger and stronger. Those who give in to their evil inclinations face a terrible future. And we, if we stand tall as Christians, will serve as an attractive target for them. Again, be prepared.

Meanwhile, this summer Sunday ideally provides us with some respite from our usual work and daily chores. We might thus take some time to read Scripture, especially if we're not in the habit of daily reading and study. St. Paul explains why:

All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice, 17 That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work.

Let's take the great Apostles advice on this summer Sunday. Whatever we've planned for the day, surely we can carve out a slice for Our Lord, right?

It is, after all His Day. 

Happy Sunday!