The Raptures verses The Ecstasy explained

                 The Rapture versus The Ecstasy explained

Eileen Renders

As confirmed by Catholic Answers, the Catholic Bible does not confirm the idea of the rapture as believed by most Protestants. As Catholics, our belief is founded not on an event where the faithful are taken out of the world before a time of suffering, but through a sharing in the Resurrection for those faithful who are still alive on earth. We are taught that the rapture occurs at the time of the Resurrection, not before the tribulation. This teaching is supported by the interpretation of Revelation 20:1-3, which describes the reign of Christ and the millennium, as well as the Second Coming of Christ.

The ecstasy is not explicitly mentioned in the text within the Catholic Bible. This concept, however, is found in various teachings and texts. It has been mentioned in Christian mystical texts in relation to saints and their experiences. The Catholic Church does believe that ecstasy can be associated with humility, reverence, and a deep sense of awe before the divine majesty of God. This state is described as an exceptional transformative experience where the soul transcends the physical senses and enters into intimate metaphysical communion with God. The experience is seen as an elevation of the soul by the Holy Spirit and is not considered a final stage of spiritual effort, but rather a divine gift.

Personal interpretation

As a Catholic for 86 years, and with a deep relationship with Christ, I have come to feel that the Ecstasy is as described by Catholic teachings, a shared and deep spiritual elevation with us between God. However, throughout the years, and as I grew in faith and maturity, my understanding of Jesus as the Bridegroom became clear through my understanding of how much Jesus loves us and desires us to trust and submit our will fully to Him. When this occurs, and we are remaining without sin, He is in us as we are in Him, as it is written in the Catholic Bible. When these conditions are met fully, meaning our focus and will are fully and sincerely submitted to our Bridegroom, Christ, and we die free of sin, He will meet us immediately upon death and raise us to heaven. That is the Ecstasy that meets with my understanding as Christ has spiritually inspired within my heart and soul.