But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
“It can’t happen here” is the famous epitaph on the grave of every person or civilization that ever thought it could get away with sneering at God forever. That’s not a threat, it’s a fact. As Columbine, 9/11 and assorted scandals of debauchery in Christ’s very Church attest, it can happen here. A rebirth of holiness is the only way for us to be ready to meet the Lord when he comes. O Lord, grant us your Holy Spirit and forgive us our sins and sneers.
Mark P. Shea is a popular Catholic writer and speaker. The author of numerous books, his most recent work is The Work of Mercy (Servant) and The Heart of Catholic Prayer (Our Sunday Visitor). Mark contributes numerous articles to many magazines, including his popular column “Connecting the Dots” for the National Catholic Register. Mark is known nationally for his one minute “Words of Encouragement” on Catholic radio. He also maintains the Catholic and Enjoying It blog and regularly blogs for National Catholic Register. He lives in Washington state with his wife, Janet, and their four sons.
