It is precisely in the Passion, when the mercy of Christ is about to vanquish it, that sin most clearly manifests its violence and its many forms: unbelief, murderous hatred, shunning and mockery by the leaders and the people, Pilate’s cowardice and the cruelty of the soldiers, Judas’ betrayal – so bitter to Jesus, Peter’s denial and the disciples’ flight. However, at the very hour of darkness, the hour of the prince of this world, the sacrifice of Christ secretly becomes the source from which the forgiveness of our sins will pour forth inexhaustibly. – Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1851
Reading this paragraph today really struck me as a sign of our times. So much came to mind. First off, Romans 5:20 – in the most horrible event of all time, the crucifixion of God and in our darkest hours, this verse hold true.
“where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” Romans 5:20
Then, I look at the headlines (which I try to avoid), and see history repeating itself in such similar ways. Which of these is not seen in our society? Unbelief, murderous hatred, shunning, mockery, cowardice, cruelty, betrayal, denial and disciples’ flight? Social media is a hub of so many of these, politics rings of all. The goal of each of these sins, and seemingly of our world is the kill God, again.
But, as horrible and depressing as this may be, or seem, God overcomes and triumphs. We know and need to rest assured in this fact. And, if all these events are a repeating of history, we can hold to the truth of God’s victory. We can rest in the hope that the worse if gets in the world, the greater amount of grace will pour through.
“…at the very hour of darkness, the hour of the prince of this world, the sacrifice of Christ secretly becomes the source from which the forgiveness of our sins will pour forth inexhaustibly.” “grace abounded all the more”
A sign of the end times? No clue… but, we do know the end is coming ‘soon.’
If the end is coming, hold up and share the hope of the abundant graces that will pour forth from the ocean of God’s Mercy.
“Speak to the world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy. It is a sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While there is still time, let them have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 848 (cf., John 19:34)
“You will prepare the world for My final coming.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 429
“Write this: before I come as the Just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 83
Be the light now in this dimness that when the darkness falls, souls may turn, knowing they can find the light in you.