Catholics, Prophecy, and the Signs of the Times

Just a few weeks ago I heard priest and theologian Father John Hampsch say that, “ Sixty three biblical prophecies regarding the second coming of Christ have been fulfilled within the last ten years. We are entering a time of unparalleled evil … “

His comments took me by surprise. Father Hampsch is a well respected priest and teacher. His comments, made during a recent conference on spiritual warfare, gave me pause.

The Church is slow in giving credence to talk about ‘ the last days’ precisely because there is so much room for error, However it would seem equally foolish to ignore holy men and women speaking of these things. The beloved Mother Angelica herself spoke about our present times as serious, and encouraged her viewers to “be ready.”

On Pentecost of 1975, a prophecy was given by Catholic author/theologian Ralph Martin in the presence of Pope Paul VI, at St Peter’s Basilica. The occasion was the closing Mass of the International Catholic Charismatic Congress. Here it is:

"Because I love you I want to show you what I am doing in the world today. I want to prepare you for what is to come. Days of darkness are coming on the world, days of tribulation… Buildings that are now standing will not be standing. Supports that are there for my people will not be there. I want you to be prepared, My people, to know only me and to cleave to me and to have me in a way deeper than ever before. I will lead you into the desert…. I will strip you of everything that you are depending on now, so you depend just on me. A time of darkness is coming on the world, but a time of glory is coming for my church, a time of glory is coming for my people. I will pour out on you all the gifts of My Spirit. I will prepare you for spiritual combat; I will prepare you for a time of evangelism that the world has never seen. And when you have nothing but Me, you will have everything: land, fields, homes and brothers and sisters and love and joy and peace more than ever before. Be ready, my people, I want to prepare you…"

No one can argue that there is much in these words that rings true for the moments that we are living through. Then there are the Church authenticated messages coming from such disparate places as Akita, Japan and Kibeho, Rwanda. Finally, we have the very powerful and validated messages of Our Lady of Fatima. All of these speak of the weight of sin hovering over humanity, and the desire of God to save us and bring us back to Himself.

While fear can creep in as we ponder such messages, the truth is that they are an immense sign of hope and encouragement. These prophetic words point to the fact that God is well aware of the serious trials we face and has already mapped out a battle plan for us. As we follow His instructions, we will successfully pass this test and move into an era of peace. Humanity will return to Him and the Church will be renewed.

What should our practical response be?

We can remember Our Lord’s words, “Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.” Trust comes from loving relationship. So let us seek the Lord daily, learning to know His voice. By this deep love relationship with the Lord we will be able to navigate the coming storms while keeping our peace and being a harbor of hope for others.

We must answer the call to evangelize. The Church always teaches that we are meant to live in the state of grace, with lamps lit and waiting to meet the Lord. How many are there around us who have no idea that they are in danger? No matter how great the sinner, his debts are paid for by Jesus on the Cross. But what if he has never been told about the love of God? We have been commissioned for this purpose. The Church exists to evangelize! It is most urgent that we speak out about God’s love to those who are in darkness!

Finally, we must be of good cheer. Jesus Christ has already overcome the world! St. Louis Marie de Montfort prophesied that under the mantle of Mary, saints of the latter days would surpass the former as the “cedars of Lebanon outgrow little shrubs.” He also said that these same souls would valiantly fight off their enemies with the one hand while building the new City of God with the other. I believe that these words were written for our generation.

The present time offers opportunities for heroic sanctity and evangelization like no other. Instead of shrinking in fear, let us stand and give witness to the love of God, magnificently revealed in Jesus Christ, Our Lord.