"As Christians begin their celebration of the Easter season, the Catholic church seems stuck in Good Friday."
ABC News
I would say this is a fair evaluation of the state of the Church today. Just as Christ suffered and died so must the Church. And just like Christ she will rise again, in glory.
And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren.
Who said to him: Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
And he said: I say to thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, till thou thrice deniest that thou knowest me. Luke 22:31-34
History spins in circles as Peter is once again being tested.
"And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them.
Whom when a certain servant maid had seen sitting at the light, and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man also was with him.
But he denied him, saying: Woman, I know him not.
And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not.
And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with him; for he is also a Galilean.
And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew.
And the Lord turning looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, as he had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
And Peter going out, wept bitterly." Luke 22:55-62
I am starting to believe that we will see this whole scene played out again. Just as Peter was weak so is the man sitting on his seat. He is, after all, only human. This will be seen as a victory over the Church by its enemies. But it isn't. Just as in the Bible Peter will repent and eventually reemerge to lead the Church into a new age.
But between this new age and now lies the three days of darkness. The Church will be scourged, mocked, torn to pieces and crucified. It will be wrapped in a shroud and put into the earth. Peter and the Apostles will think all has been lost. Many that believed will turn their backs and walk away. Only a handful will be left, crushed, despondent and dismayed.
But just as long ago, Easter morning will dawn. Those that remained faithful will see the dawn of a new world. As for the rest, I don't know. I assume many will be lost and some will be converted. All we can do is pray.
That was enough happiness for one day. Pray that you remain faithful through the coming storm. I truly believe it is upon us now. I hope I'm wrong.
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without the Perfect Holocaust of the Christ, there is no Easter. The Church rightly keeps its eyes on the Throne of Christ (the Cross). We are not yet at the Wedding Feast. We are anticipating it.
ReplyDeleteI would not disagree that I find your analysis intriguing - as Christ was crucified, so must the Church following His example. Carrying its cross. The Body of Christ must be broken, that is, for the Spirit to prevail. His Death and resurrection prefigure as much.
But the Church cannot be prevailed against. It is written. Her enemies live and die Eternal Death, from age to age. And none in 2000 yrs of trying has triumphed against her. One would think Her enemies might have cause to reflect on it.
One WOULD think that the enemies of the Church might just consider the promises of Christ in regard to His Church. I suppose this comes back to the pride of Satan and the blindness of his followers.
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