New Testament Quotes from the End of Times
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“You are my inheritance, O Lord!”Ps. 16
“But the Spirit clearly says that in the latter times some will abandon the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared…”1 Thessalonians 4:1
“Let no one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.”2 Thessalonians 2:3
“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.”2 Timothy 3:1
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.”2 Peter 2:1
“Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts.”2 Peter 3:3
“Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.”1 John 2:18
“We are from God; the one who knows God listens to us; the one who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”1 John 4:6
“In the last times there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly desires.”Jude 1:18
“For many will come in my name, saying, I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many…”Matthew 24:5-12
“And they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”2 Timothy 4:4
“That wicked one, whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved…”2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
“…what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; I do not want you to be participants with demons.”1 Corinthians 10:20
“But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”2 Timothy 3:13
St. Justin Martyr
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100 – 165) was a second century apologist. His detailed texts show the depth of the Catholic tradition and were meant to dispel rumors of the early Church practices during the Roman persecution. An eyewitness account of his martyrdom still survives today.
Mary and the Saints
Question: Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the saints?
Answer: One of the statements of faith we make when we pray the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed is that we believe in “the communion of saints.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that this communion (another word for community) includes all the faithful on earth, the souls in Purgatory, and the blessed women, men, and children who are in heaven. This teaching is grounded in our belief that, through Baptism, we are united with Christ and to one another with bonds that are stronger even than death.
And so from the time of the early Church, Christians have turned to other believers for prayers and assistance, including those who have gone before us, confident that God hears the prayers of all of His children. While we ask the saints (and one another) for prayers and support, we remember that the saints join us in prayer. But it is God who blesses and sanctifies us.
When we think of Mary and the saints in heaven, we have to remember that we can turn to them for intercession and assistance because they were faulted, limited human beings, just like us. This means that they are able to understand our struggles, doubts, fears, joys, and hopes. But as we learn their stories, we can also begin to recognize that they stand out in the history of the Church because they persevered in their commitment to follow Christ. Whether they were ordained, vowed religious, martyrs, husbands, wives, or even children, they show us that holiness is possible. We can not only follow their example but also benefit from their prayerful support.
Our devotion to the saints and gratitude for their witness, prayers, and protection should also be an inspiration for us, especially when we become aware of the needs of others or when others ask us to pray for them. We are called to share the blessings we receive. This is also part of our own journey of growing in holiness.
Weekly Readings
Sunday: Dn 12:1-3/Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 (1)/Heb 10:11-14, 18/Mk 13:24-32
Monday: Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5/Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6/Lk 18:35-43
Tuesday: Rv 3:1-6, 14-22/Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5/Lk 19:1-10
Wednesday: Rv 4:1-11/Ps 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6/Lk 19:11-28
Thursday: Rv 5:1-10/Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b/Lk 19:41-44
Friday: Rv 10:8-11/Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131/Lk 19:45-48
Saturday: Rv 11:4-12/Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10/Lk 20:27-40
Next Sunday: Rv 11:4-12/Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10/Lk 20:27-40
Observances for the Week
Sunday: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: The Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles; St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, Virgin
Thursday: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday: St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
Saturday: St. Clement I, Pope and Martyr; St. Columban, Abbot; Bl. Miguel Agustin Pro, Priest and Martyr
Next Sunday: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
