From the Desk of Fr. Schaller - November 13, 2022

One of the characteristics of Americans is our fascination with intrigue, mystery, and horror. This is frequently given a religious twist, especially in books (like The Da Vinci Code, and Left Behind series) and movies (like The Exorcist, The Omen, Halloween, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and many others). The Book of Revelation is often used as a source to make a scary movie about the End Times or about the Anti-Christ. They almost always misrepresent the Faith in the process. One movie of this genre made from the popular series of books is called Left Behind. This movie and all the books in this series deal with the “Rapture”, the belief among some Christians that God will suddenly take His chosen believers from this world to be with Him in a sudden, secret, and quiet way. Meanwhile the rest of us will be “left behind” struggling with wars, unrest, and chaos (they see this time as a second chance to become true believers and to be saved). Maybe it makes for good movies, but it misses the boat when it comes to our Christian Faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) presents clear teaching about this (see paragraph #988-1004). Each person is a unique, unrepeatable (that is, there is no re-incarnation) creation of God. As a body/soul creature, we are saved or lost as a whole person. This body of ours is not a mere appendage or tool which we use for a while and then discard when we die. Rather, through death our body and soul are separated. The Lord has promised us that when He comes again (His Second Coming – His incarnation and birth being His First Coming), all the dead will rise, be “re-united” with their souls, with the saved being taken up to Heaven to be with Him forever in glory. When will this happen? Jesus was asked this question, too. The answer remains the same: only the Father knows. Any human person who claims to know when the Lord is coming again is talking out of his ear. Ignore him. And all these movies which present these fanciful pictures of the End Times? Fiction. Don’t be misled by these movies and books. If you want the Truth, read it in the Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Please continue to pray for the success of the “Inspired by the Spirit” Capital Campaign in our parish and throughout the diocese. If you have not yet done so, please complete and mail your pledge form. Thank you for your generosity!
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May God bless you!
Fr. Schaller 

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