The Battle of Armageddon. The end times! Revelation’s most sensational publicity, over the last generations, has come from its images of combat. For its war is not just any war, but the ultimate war, and it is terrible indeed: “demonic spirits go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle” (Rev 16:14). John describes a world war that is simultaneously an otherworldly war: “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon” (12:7). Angels pour out the chalices of God’s wrath, and strong armies retreat in fear. Casualty counts run high, and the tribulations extend even to God’s people. Darkness seems to have its day.
I don’t claim to be a theologian, far from it. But I do know one thing for sure. In a very large sense of things, none of this matters for us. Strange statement? Bear with me.
For ages people have predicted ‘these days we live in are the end days.’ They’ve pointed at Caesar, Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, even Obama and Trump as the anti-Christ and the final sign. Volcanoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts and even climate change have been signals of the end. All have fallen to the wayside with no great appearance in the sky. We are still here watching and waiting. But, even that is not why I say it doesn’t matter to us.
“Oh come on now, why doesn’t it matter?”
Our sole defense in all these great and terrible things predicted and foretold in Daniel, Revelations and others is God. God will not allow anything to happen to those who turn to Him and who trust in Him. Period! Even if you should die in this great battle, God’s promise still stands. He will defend the soul who trusts in Him as His Own Glory.
“I Myself will defend as My own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who will venerate My fathomless mercy.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1225
No matter what spins around us or even if the worst ‘end times’ nightmares come true before our eyes, we need to trust in Jesus and draw close to God. He IS our defense. Trust Him.
Then, we need to always remember our one job in ‘those’ days or these days or any days, find one more soul for Jesus. Take up the Great Commission, be a true Catholic in every aspect of you life, be joyful even in dark times and by the light to the world. If the four horsemen haven’t been released or are riding now, it doesn’t matter because God, in His mercy, will withhold the end until you find and return that one last soul to His side.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden…In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16
Father’s Message Yesterday Morn’
Amen.