Apocalypse:a guide.
n.b. Note that the primacy for all reading is what it has always been: The Bible! Always seek as a priority a Catholic Bible that has a traditional Catholic commentary. (before Vatican II)
A Short Guide to Understanding The Apocalypse; And These Very Last days Of The World That We Are Within. Shown in full here. It includes an understanding of how St John the Apostle/the Divine saw aspects of our modern societal setting.
The Guide includes as to how we must be in immediate preparation for The Lord's Second Coming: "The Day Of The Lord."
We must now focus on The Second Coming of Christ; His Second Coming is anticipated to be The 2030's.
This Guide shows why the 2030's; and 2032 in particular, are such a focus of attention.
Please note that if you are printing this guide the website page headings are listed first and the guide itself begins around page 2/3 printed page.
A Short Guide to Understanding the Apocalypse.
(And where we are now in these very Last Times of The World
as we know it.)
This guide is an attempt to unlock (for mankind) an awareness of what is happening in the context of the Divine timetable, and which is always the most significant. It of course always takes precedence over any and every other timetable. Far better for us to know what is really happening that not to know! And to be “watching” and prepared. Our Lord told us to “Watch” (Mk 13:37) (Lk 12:40 & 21:36)(Mt 24:42-44 & 25:13.) Be ready!
This is a Biblical time in its deepest sense. An Epic era. The time of “the alpha and the omega” “the first and the last” “the beginning and the end.” (Apoc.1:8. & 21:6 &22:13.) This guide includes an understanding of how St John the Apostle/the Divine saw aspects of our modern societal setting.
Our Lord's Second Coming is anticipated to be the 2030's. Only God knows the exact time, but in His great Mercy, and Love, He has made much known as to the times that we are now in. And so it is right to “Plan and Prepare.” The Apocalypse; the last Book of The New Testament, is our great guide.
This last era sees a clash of eras. It is the era of preparation for the Lord's Second Coming in Judgement. It is also the era of the final chastisement upon wayward mankind; what can be termed “the era of the hollow facade”; that which is presented to us as being normal by those now in the world in great numbers; the apostate angels in human form (incarnate demons); the “locusts” released from “the bottomless pit” (the Abyss) as foretold in the Apocalypse. (Apoc.9:1-3.)
In 1846, The Church received, in the Secret of La Salette, a warning as to their release in 1864. Around the mid-late mid 19th century seems accurate. We are now severely amidst what has become a final “flood.” The apostate angels have constructed a general societal setting that distracts away from God and the Eternal Wisdom. A setting by which they lead souls on in to hell. And so humans must be in the right era; the era of preparation for Our Lord. An era that sees a focus on God, and The Eternal Wisdom; our true treasure, and our true learning; our true understanding; that which is of Eternity. Our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, will return as the Just Judge; when all, living and dead, will be brought before Him (Mt 25:31-46. (Apoc.15:4.) The time is to prepare in Truth. Be availed of His great Mercy. And be in His teaching, and ways: The Truth (Jn 14: 6 & 17:17-19.)
What is happening in the world right now corresponds with that foretold in the Apocalypse; and indeed very much including the final chastisement; what has become a final “flood.” And these are very serious days of build-up to the Lord's Second Coming in Judgement.
What is The Apocalypse?
The Apocalypse; sometimes referred to as “The Book of Revelation” (Apocalypse is a Greek word meaning revelation) is the last Book of the New Testament, and a divine revelation as to what were then future events, given to St John the Apostle; the Divine, later on in life, whilst he was on the island of Patmos.
St John was shown future events that MUST and WILL happen:
“..I will show thee the things that must come to pass hereafter.”(Apoc : 4:1)
The Apocalypse is very powerful.
The Apocalypse is very powerful because of what it is. Firstly, there are Our Lord's Words to the seven churches at the beginning of the Apocalypse (Apoc. 2:1-3:22.) His guidance. This is very precious, and as precious and applicable now as it was at the end of the first century, and as it has been down through the centuries. Our Lord teaches and guides and He emphasizes patience. We must keep to the right ways during this short life on earth, and hold fast until He comes again.
And the Apocalypse concerns the opening of The Great Scroll, of future events; as to what will come to pass. And this from “The throne.” The scroll is opened by the only one who is worthy to open it; “the Lamb” Our Lord (Apoc 5:5-8) who breaks open its seven seals to reveal what were at that time future events but which have now come to pass, and are coming to a conclusion, so that we stand at the point we are now in the divine timetable. Note that there had to be one worthy to open it. It is not just a question of here is the scroll opened. This is from the throne of God; the supreme and awesome Majesty.
Our Lord God and Saviour; Jesus Christ “the Lamb” is worthy to open the great scroll. St John writes:
And I saw upon the right hand of him who sits upon the throne a scroll written within and without, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll, and to break the seals therof?” And no one in heaven, or on earth, or under the earth, was able to open the scroll or to look thereon. And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look theron. (Apoc.5:1-4.)
St John continues:
And one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep; behold, the lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, has overcome to open the scroll and its seven seals.” And I saw, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the scroll out of the right hand of him who sat upon the throne. (Apoc.5:5-7)
The Apocalypse is complex.
Yes. The Apocalypse is complex because it reveals future events but also as their having come to pass, and with repetitions as to this, and often figuratively, and descriptively, and together with explanations as to their consequences. And it does this at various points which are not always in the same timeline sequence. And sometimes the past and present tense is found in the very same paragraph. It is set within a divine context, as reflected in its imagery. At some points we can glimpse things more clearly than others.
So how do we know where we are now in the Apocalypse ?
Because of events that have already come to pass in history and which link to the Apocalypse to reveal where we are now to us. The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse (Apoc. 6:1-8.) provide for us our great clue. They are from the breaking open of the first four seals.
The first seal opened reveals the White Horse, he symbolizes the victory of Christ's Word. The second seal opened reveals the Red Horse, he symbolizes war. The third seal opened reveals the Black Horse, he symbolizes famine:
St John writes:
And I saw that the Lamb had opened the first of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, “Come!” And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he who was sitting on it had a bow, and there was given him a crown, and he went forth as a conqueror to conquer .(Apoc:6: 1-2.)
Traditional Commentary is: “Ver.2. White horse. This horseman with the bow symbolizes Christ and the victory of His word. cf. 19:11:13.” (p243 Holy Family Bible 1950,( New Testament commentary.)
St John continues:
And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come!” And there went forth another horse, a red one; and to him who was sitting on it, it was given to take peace from the earth, and that men should kill one another, and there was given him a great sword.(Apoc: 6:3-4.)
And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come!” And I saw, and behold, a black horse, and he who was sitting on it had a balance in his hand. And I heard as it were a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A measure of wheat for a denarius, and three measures of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the wine and the oil.” [Apoc:6:5-6]
Traditional Commentary is:
Ver.4. Red one. This horse symbolizes war. (P243 HFB commentary.) Ver.5. Black horse, symbolizing famine. (p243 HFB commentary.)
.. “and do not harm the wine and the oil” can mean famine being avoided, as wine and oil can both be made with wheat or with barley, and with barley wine known for its longevity when stored.
The next horse; the fourth, and final horse of the four horses of The Apocalypse, is the pale green horse; it is the fourth seal opened that reveals him and his horseman.
St John writes:
And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come! ”And I saw, and behold, a pale-green horse, and he who was sitting on it — his name is Death, and hell was following him. And there was given him power over the four parts of the earth, to kill with sword, with famine, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. (Apoc: 6:7-8)
Traditional commentary on the fourth horseman is as follows:
Ver.8. Pale-green horse, i.e., olive-colored; this horseman symbolizes death, or rather pestilence.(HFB Commentary. (1950) p.244.
The red horseman (war) must be avoided. Famine must be avoided. And the fourth horseman Must be avoided! All of mankind's focus Must be on the first horse and horseman!
As to the third horse and horseman: “famine.” During the apparition at La Salette in France in 1846 much was said about famine, at that time affecting many parts of Europe. Severe for many, but famine itself is not new to mankind by any means. Note that the apparition was very highly controversial including amongst the clergy, but the Church approved it as being an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In that same apparition was given a Secret: “the Secret of La Salette.” In that Secret is the warning of the release of Lucifer (the devil) and a great number of demons from hell in 1864 (secret 11) affirmed as being in incarnate (human) form (secret 12.) This as though a linking directly to the foretold Divine timetable at that time.
And so The Secret of La Salette; its great warning, can be seen as corresponding with the breaking open of the fourth seal, and its aftermath, in particular as revealed in The Apocalypse chapters 8 and 9. (For a variety of reasons, the Church missed the significance of the Secret; see: La Salette: A Dilemma for the Popes. ( acatholicland.org)
Secret of La Salette; paragraphs 11 and 12 are:
"In the year 1864, Lucifer with a great number of demons will be unleashed from hell; they will abolish the faith little by little and even in persons consecrated to God; they will blind them in such a way that barring a particular grace these persons will take on the spirit of these bad angels: several religious houses will lose the faith entirely and will lose many souls.. "[Secret:(11)]
The dead and the just will be made to revive [Secret:12]
[That is to say that these dead will take the appearance of just souls who had lived on earth, in order to lead men further astray: these so-called resurrected dead, who will be nothing other than the demon under these appearances, will preach another Gospel contrary to the one of the true Christ Jesus, denying the existence of heaven, or they may also be the souls of the damned. All these souls will appear as if united to their bodies.]
These words [in brackets] are stated by Melanie Calvert Mathieu, a recipient of the apparition (along with Maximin Giraud) to have been according to the vision she had when being told of the resurrection of the dead. (Le Secret De Melanie, p.29-30.) It is highly significant, given the controversy over the apparition and her Secret (only Melanie received this Secret) that Melanie describes what she saw in her own words. It is accurate! The great warning in the Secret of La Salette corresponds with the release of “the Locusts” in The Apocalypse. Indeed, it is what is “following him” (the pale green horse and horseman) that is shown in chapters eight and nine. St John writes:
And the fifth angel sounded the trumpet, and I saw that a star had fallen from heaven upon the earth, and there was given to him the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and there came up smoke out of the pit like the smoke of a great furness; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit. And out of the smoke there came forth locusts upon the earth.(Apoc: 9:1-3.)......And they had over them a king, the angel of the abyss; (Apoc: 9:11)
Just as the fallen star must be an individual; ie a living intelligent being (to have been given the key to open the bottomless pit with) so too the locusts are those whom live in the Abyss (to be released from) and from out of which they come. Locusts (the creature/insect) do not [as such] live in the Abyss, demons do (as do imprisoned human souls.) Locusts are a descriptive term. Just as 'serpent' or 'snake' is the descriptive term used for Lucifer; the devil, in the garden of Eden. “Locusts upon the earth” means the demons in incarnate; human form. And voluminous. And swarming. They have become the last 'flood' upon mankind. It is the world's chilling secret!
Traditional commentary on ch 9 v.1-3 is as follows:
CHAP. 9.ver. 1. A star, perhaps Lucifer. This is confirmed by the words, the key of the bottomless pit. This key was given to the fallen star, and therefore the star is an individual. Bottomless pit, by which is meant abode of the damned and the devils. (HFB (Holy Family Bible) commentary 1950 p 245.)
The world's chilling Secret; mankind's last times predicament, has been, and is, ever increasing (in numbers of apostate angels) since the mid-late mid 19thcentury [1864.] Apostate angels, and with their vast intelligence (see “Fallen Creatures.” www.acatholicland.org) exist in all levels of society and in all societal institutions. They are voluminous; they are both near and far. Mankind is now very vastly out-numbered. The final chastisement upon us is what mankind needs to awaken to and be very alert to in these very last days of the world as we know it. Alert means leading good, steady, Faith filled, thought full lives, so as not to be led astray by the very many wrong influences all around.
Note that in chapter 9 St John writes:
And they were told not to hurt the grass of the earth or any green thing or any tree; but only the men who do not have God's seal upon their foreheads. And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torture them for five months; and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. (Apoc.9:4-5.)
I understand this to mean that they are not allowed to kill a human and take their place, so to speak (kill a person and assume their identity) and which would otherwise be easy for them. But they have [do] engage in some devastating practices, in order to disorientate humans. Note that five months is a period of time associated with the time span of a locust swarm.
In Chapters 8 and 9 we can see some of the severe general and also some specific effects of the apostate angels. Chapter 8 tells of “the third” (one third of the angels are said to have fallen) a third of the lights in heaven dimmed (note ch. 12 of The Apocalypse gives a depiction of the fall of the angels in heaven.) The third, and its effects, affects upon”the third of mankind” that is, that the effects of the fall of the third of the angels affects the whole earth (affects the whole of mankind.)
St John writes, in chapter eight:
And the first angel sounded the trumpet, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and it was cast upon the earth; and the third part of the earth was burnt up, and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. ( Apoc:8:7)
And the second angel sounded the trumpet, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea; and the third part of the sea became blood, and there died the third part of those creatures that have life in the sea, and the third part of the ships was destroyed.(Apoc: 8: 8-9)
And the third angel sounded the trumpet, and there fell from heaven a great star, burning like a torch, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers and upon the fountains of waters. The name of the star is called Wormwood. And the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many people died of the waters because they were made bitter. (Apoc: 8:10-11.)
And the fourth angel sounded the trumpet, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars, that the third part of them might be darkened, and the day for the third part of it might not shine, and the night likewise. (Apoc.8:12.)
Traditional commentary on this is that:
Ver.12. The sense is that the light of the heavenly bodies was reduced by one-third its intensity. (HFB p 245)
The one third “the third part” accords with the fall of the apostate angels that is [to emphasize] that the fall (one third) of the angels affects the whole (all of) the earth, not just a third of it.
The fifth trumpet, as stated above. St John continues:
And the sixth angel sounded the trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “loose the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” And the four angels were loosed who had been kept ready for the hour and day and month and year, that they might kill the third part of mankind.(Apoc.9:13-15.)
Commentators over the centuries have seen ch.9:15 as meaning that this event will take place at a specific date and time. The following, for example, is from the Holy Family Bible commentary (1950.):
VER.15. Who had been kept ready for the hour. The loosing of the angels would take place at a definite period, the year, month, day and hour of which are known, in accordance with the Providence of God. (HFB p 246.)
And again, the third is mentioned. Keep in mind that St John is seeing things in a vision, and at this point it concerns the “locusts.” The Practical Catholic Dictionary describes Locusts as follows:
Locusts. Various kinds of grasshoppers and cicadus that come in great swarms and are very destructive to field and foliage. God sent them in one of the plagues to Egypt (Ex.10.). They symbolize destructive hordes of armies sent by God to punish men (Joel 1-2; Judg.6:5; Amos 7:1; Nah.3:15). The locust plague in the Apocalypse is a diabolical horde which God allows to punish the unbelieving world (Apoc.9). (Practical Dictionary: Holy Family Bible 1950. p140.)
We will come back to chapter 9 very shortly.
And so in the context of the release of the locusts; the key given to the fallen star, this can be interpreted as linking to the year [1864] in that the Secret of La Salette identifies a specific year. The final chastisement is upon very wayward mankind.
And there is also the following, and which is found in chapter 20 of the Apocalypse, as follows:
And when the thousand years are finished, Satan will be released from his prison, and will go forth and deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, and will gather them together for the battle; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up over the breadth of the earth and encompassed the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. And fire from God came down out of heaven and devoured them. [Apoc. 20:7-9]
The thousand years is known in Biblical commentary as representing an indeterminable period between Our Lord's glorious resurrection from the dead, and His Second Coming in Judgement (Douey-Rheims (Catholic Bible) N.T. 1582 (1899 edition) and also the Knox Catholic Bible 1945 (1963 edition.) My understanding is that this is a further showing to St John as to what will happen (the locusts released, shown in ch.9) and shown, late on in the Apocalypse. And that, in line with the Douey Rheims, and the Knox commentary, the build-up to this in ch 20 (ch20:1-6)has happened/is happening.
Chapter 18 also includes as to the affects of the fall of Babylon; that is, what the fall of Babylon includes. This is another example of how that mentioned in one chapter of the Apocalypse is shown in more detail in another chapter. The fall of Babylon is referred to in chapter 14. We are in that era NOW.
St John writes, in chapter 18:
And after this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was lighted up by his glory. And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “She has fallen, she has fallen, Babylon the great; and has become a habitation of demons, a stronghold of every unclean spirit, a stronghold of every unclean and hateful bird; because all nations have drunk of the wrath of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and by the power of her wantonness the merchants of the earth have grown rich.”(Apoc.18:1-3.)
See also the prophet Isaias's account, applicable to the last times (day(s) (Is. ch's. 13-14) written in the context of Babylon. This is very important! And Babylon is strongly associated generally, and variously, with grandeur and excess, and with immorality, and with wickedness.
Isaias's writing is Biblical and it is applicable to these last times; both generally and specifically. As with the Apocalypse it is a divine “vision” (and shows things generally and specifically.) It can be seen specifically as being applicable, in parts, to these very last times.
Isaias's account, as relevant to these very last times, is every bit as complex as the Apocalypse, but, for example, he gives an account of the habitations of the demons, and he states that “A man shall be more precious than gold, yea a man than the finest of gold.”(Is. 13:12.)
The Apocalypse and specific aspects of this last era:
The Apocalypse includes a great prophesy that foretells this last era. And, in chaper 9, we find some very interesting ways in which St John foretells certain specific aspects of it. Chapter 9 (parts referred to above) includes what can be seen as revealing some of the effects of “the locusts”; the incarnate demons upon us. Keep in mind, of course, that St John is writing towards the end of the first century, and that what he sees in his revelation he is trying to put into words using that which is familiar to him as a first century observer.
We can look at ways in which a reference is made to our era. In the context of transport and what St John sees, we find, for example, the following;
St John writes:
And in appearance the locusts were like horses made ready for battle; and there were on their heads crowns as it were like gold; and their faces were like the faces of men. And they had hair like the hair of women; and their teeth were like the teeth of lions. And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of many horse-chariots running to battle. (Apoc.9:7-9.)
As I understand it, the reference to horses is a reference to cars/ motorcycles/motor vehicles generally (and which, of course, both humans, and incarnate demons, drive) "made ready for battle" perhaps as in armour plated (metal.) And the reference to the faces for men, and hair for women, is perhaps showing as to how the incarnate demons are under both male and female appearance. And that “crowns of gold” could be a reference to how they are in many leadership positions. They exist in all the various levels; they are in all the various societal positions in society.
St John continues:
And this is how I saw the horses in the vision: they who sat upon them had breastplates like to fire and to hyacinth and to sulphur, and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and from their mouths issued fire and smoke and sulphur. (Apoc.9:17.)
Note that the Douey-Rheims Catholic Bible (New Testament 1582) 1899 edition, begins its commentary notes on this chapter with: "There came out locusts. These may be devils in Antichrist's time, having the appearance of locusts, but large and monstrous,..."( D-R .NT p285.)
The front of a car, and indeed the back of a car, looking towards it (some more than others) do have a lion-like appearance, or at least could be described in that way. Perhaps more from the 1920's and 30's. St John is relating what he saw in his revelation as a first century observer. And all transport has always been associated with horses, so much so that for a long time the auto mobiles (cars), with us from the mid 1880's, were called “horseless carriages.”
And anybody sitting at the wheel of a car could look in a vision, to a first century observer, who was looking towards the car, as though having a breastplate. All such transport in St John's time would have been in the context of chariots. And cars, from the inside, and especially on a motorway, do sound like chariots running to battle. And sulphur (brimstone) can obviously be linked with cars because it is in both petrol and diesel. And hyacinth, the plant, is often shown in its violet colour (as in the colour of a burning chemical type flame.)
Of course, just as both humans and incarnate demons drive and use cars; their invention would have included humans; humans are very easily influenced, and given ideas. But we can say that a great deal of modern technology, and in the ways that it is used, is of a higher intelligence than that of human, and that very many of our modern inventions are directly, or by way of the influence, on humans, of those who would have us live haphazard and chaotic lives amidst wrong influences; and just able to comprehend how to have something fixed and mended, and further 'enhanced' etc. etc. And so all kept going amidst excess, and a distraction of various forms of 'entertainment' and much including the more magazine style 'news' of the era; the era of the hollow facade. And this includes the very many distractions found in the modern, worldly, educational settings.
And all of which serves to detach humans into emotional dependence on objective events, and the emotional tensions found in fictional reading and also into superficial likes and dislikes, rather than developing a strong interior life focussed on our Lord God; recollecting to Him; to His commandments, teaching and ways; all unto His greater glory. In our core identity in Him who is the author of our heavenly birth. Our Lord God, Jesus Christ is the true vine, and to whom we owe so much; and a very great much it is that we owe; to The Father, to The Son, and to The Holy Spirit. (See St. John's gospel ch. 14-17.)
A strong interior life found in the Lord and by which to combat, and to protect ourselves from, the very many wrong influences all around. And this is so vitally important and none more so than in this era, with so much in this era encouraging and endorsing that which is grave sin, and for which sincere repentance is needed.
The reality of hell.
When we die we go to judgement. Tradition tells us that there are different levels of hell. And that the destination of a soul sent to hell, to any one of the levels, depends on the type of sins committed during one's lifetime. Hell is the abode of the devil and his demons.
Asmodeus, who is written of in the Old Testament Book of Tobias, and warned of in the Secret of La Salette (para.25) is known as the demon of lust (one of the seven deadly sins) and as being responsible for twisting peoples sexual desires. Those who fall into his ways and die unrepentant are said to be sentenced to [an eternity] in the second level of hell. Note how in this last era there is all sorts of encouragement of sexual distortions, irregularities, perversions, and promiscuity. Sexual sins are very highly dangerous for the soul.
Hell is a real place, “the bottomless pit” the Abyss. Our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who dwells in glory, humbling Himself to partake of our humanity to prevent a man and woman's automatic descent into hell upon death (the effects of the fall of Adam and Eve, and with them the whole of mankind) making precisely that point to us. We must be joined with Him in His glorious resurrection from the dead. Indeed Our Lord made Himself "the Son of Man" for our sakes. And humans should never ever mistake how serious all of this is. He warned us about hell on numerous occasions, for example:[Lk12.5] [Lk16:23-24] [Mt5:22] [Mt5:29-30] [Mt7:13] [Mt13:40-42] [Mt13:50 [Mt25:41] [Mt25:46]] [Mk9:42-48.] It is a place where, at all and every cost, humans Must Not Go! For there, human souls (soul and body) are abased, and in horrifying ways; by our vile enemies; the devil and his demons.
From what is made known to me about hell, I can say that I understand that there are indeed different levels of hell, and that on each level there are fires, and in some, there are as though quarries of fire. Words cannot adequately describe the horrors of hell. It is a place where at all and every conceivable cost imaginable, humans MUST NOT GO!
This Short Sojourn Upon God's Earth, and The Eternal.
This last era sees a whole phenomenon which humans are caught up in. And all of which distracts humans away from thoughts of the Eternal and the understanding that this is a very short sojourn upon God's earth; a vitally important period that determines [all] when we die! And that lives must be lived unto the goal of salvation. And that God's glory and splendour; His creations, not man's, are all around us to be cherished. The hermits, down through the centuries, have looked into the night sky and beheld the awesomeness of God's power.
Man is a fallen creature; is in a contemptible fallen state, but in His great Mercy and Love God allows us to seek His greater glory; to be in a way that is pleasing to Him. It is vital for humans to be aware of this; be very aware always of the first commandment:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment."[Mt 22:37-38][Deut: 6:4-5][Lk 10: 27.]
And of the Words of the Our Father:“Thy will Be done...” Always seek to please God. What an award to try to achieve. What better award?Keep to the commandments. And ask Him; beg Him for His love and that you will love Him ever more and more. Always seek His Mercy.
The great Jesuit spiritual director, Fr Croiset; a later spiritual director of Sr/St Margaret Mary of the Sacred Heart, wrote the following as to asking Jesus for His love, he says:
"..There is nothing to which Jesus Christ has so solemnly pledged Himself as to hear our prayers; but of all prayers there is none so agreeable to Him as that by which we ask for His love. He has bound Himself strictly to grant this love to all those who ask for it, but even if He had not bound Himself to grant this love, this request for His love would bind Him to grant it."...."Jesus Christ has done all that we can imagine, even more than we could imagine, to induce us to love Him. It depends on Him to grant us this love, dare we think He will refuse it to us if we ask it of Him? But it must be that this love is little esteemed, since it is asked for so little. You are astonished that you do not love Jesus ardently... but you should be still more astonished if you loved Him without praying for this love, since it is the greatest of all of God's gifts." [Fr Croiset SJ]
Take it to heart. It is important. Our treasure (see Jn 14-17.) God is our Father, and our Creator, He is pleased with our seeking to love Him ever more and more. God is the supreme and awesome Majesty; He is very rich and splendid. Jesus Christ; God the Son, is God's creating Word; all things were made through Him. Consubstantial with the Father and with God the Holy Spirit. Mankind's 'advancement' is only truly advancement if it is unto God's greater glory.
But consider how, in contrast to this great focus, the example of universities. A number of 'leading' universities add around three miles of books to their libraries each year. Whom to serve? The whole literary/library phenomenon is a prime example of how humans are distracted from the Eternal. Our human minds are easily preoccupied and carried along into 'interesting things.' But be wary for that which you take with you into the Eternal. And seek The ETERNAL WISDOM !!
We are fallen creatures, far different to how we would have been, but for the fall, and this life is a test; a short sojourn upon God's earth. God provided all for us; for all our needs. Lucifer and the apostate angels always seek to lead mankind astray; to implicate man and woman in their rebellion against God.
The final and terrible chastisement is upon wayward mankind, and indeed the “era of the hollow facade” has been developed so readily from mankind's own wrong direction of wide scale societal indifferentism towards Our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Indifferentism and its monster 'the enlightenment' (so called.) The 'enlightenment' (so called) includes the 'mimicking' and counter-path of the right way. This seen particularly in the so called 'rights of man' and its liberty of error phenomenon. Seeking as though to guard all liberty of error for all to partake in if they so wish. This path, and with materialism and excess, can be interpreted as being shown in chapter 13 of the Apocalypse, wherein is written of “the beasts.” The liberty of error distracts from the “choice foods” (Ways) of Eternal Wisdom.
Note Pope Gregory XVI's prophetic quote from 1832:
….indifferentism gives rise to that absurd and erroneous proposition which claims that liberty of conscience must be maintained for everyone. It spreads ruin in sacred and civil affairs, though some repeat over and over again with the greatest impudence that some advantage accrues to religion from it. "But the death of the soul is worse than freedom of error," as Augustine was wont to say. When all restraints are removed by which men are kept on the narrow path of truth, their nature, which is already inclined to evil, propels them to ruin. Then truly the "bottomless pit" opens from which St John saw smoke ascending which obscured the sun, and out of which locusts flew forth to devastate the earth. Thence comes transformation of minds, corruption of youth, contempt of sacred things and holy laws - in other words, a pestilence more deadly to the state than any other.[Pope Gregory XVI Mirari Vos 1832]
We must focus on the Eternal and our contextual concerns unto it; and all unto salvation, and be in preparation for The Lord. The way of life to try to be as close to as possible is the one developed by the Early Fathers of the Church; St Athanasius, for example, and by St Benedict; it is the monastic setting; grace bringing, and so endorsed by the Church down through the centuries. Benedictine monasticism is very well known; the day has set times consisting of private prayers, communal prayers, sacraments, devotions, reading of scripture, manual work, free time, and rest. Humans, whatever their work and family circumstances, should/must try to adjust; to live as closely as possible to these holy ways and routines. A joyful life in Christ, focussed on the goal of salvation and preparations for the Lord.
To live in fear of God (fear of God is one of the Seven great gifts of God the Holy Spirit) and humility is very powerfully related to God's great Mercy, and with grace, and with the divine assistance. Losing the divine assistance is a foremost dread for mankind, individually and collectively. And so it is about giving great glory to God. All about being faithful to God. The words of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Her Magnificat reflect this:
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; because he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid; for, behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name; and his mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of his mercy — even as he spoke to our fathers — to Abraham and to his posterity forever.” [Lk 1:46.55]
It reflects how important humility is before God, as also we are reminded of in the Book of Ecclesiasticus, with its very many treasured great teachings and learnings, unto Wisdom, which says to us:
Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. For great is the power of God; by the humble he is glorified. [Ecclesiasticus 3:18-19.]
As concerns the Church; it is most very important to be within it. Our Lord set in place one Church; His Church; to be universal, and saying:
“..thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.....”(Mt 16:18.)
That Church can be and is the Roman Catholic Church; founded by Our Lord, and with His Words, on St Peter. The Church, a gift to mankind. Of course the Church has great problems associated with this era, and is severely affected by it; as shown in the modernist teachings of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II. 1962-65.) I liken the situation to there being pirates on board Ship (imposters; apostate angels), and not just any ship; St Peter's Ship; the Ark of Salvation. It is not a good idea to jump overboard! The way, for all humans in the Church, is to keep to the good, strong, traditional teachings and ways, have the right intentions, and stay as closely within the Church as possible, and Trust Our Lord who said that He would be with His Church all through the days:
.. and behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world. "[Mt 28:20]
The Catholic Church is joined to almighty God through heavenly union!
Always seek the greater glory of God. And stay very close to the Blessed Virgin Mary; our Mother, who is our most powerful Advocate with Her Son; She always seeks to bond us to Him; Our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Immaculate; without sin, as befits Her role as the Mother of God, and as the “new Eve” as always being obedient to God (in contrast to Eve) Mary, without sin, and always in faithful obedience, is our powerful Mother; protecting us, Her children, from the evil ones.
Prayer, and Penance, are always so vitally important, and devotions are important. The Church has long established devotions: Devotion to Our Lord's Sacred Heart. Devotion to Our Lady of Dolours. The Rosary; with its meditations on the Gospels. These being prime examples. They draw us into the bonds and along the paths of God's Mercy whilst teaching us Eternal Wisdom in good, sound, spiritual direction. And The Church is being watched over by our heavenly family; the Church triumphant. And this includes St Peter; and try to remain aware of how our whole heavenly family, of angels and saints is so helping us in what are now these very last days of the world as we know it. And read the lives of the saints!
How close are we now to Our Lord's Second Coming?
Very close! Only God knows the exact time but in His great Mercy and Love He has made much known, and the Apocalypse is our guide. The fifth seal of The Apocalypse opened by The Lamb; Our Lord, reveals the martyrs. The sixth seal opened reveals an intense build-up period to Our Lord's Second Coming in figurative, Biblical language, and which culminates with the words:
And the kings of the earth, and the princes, and the tribunes, and the rich, and the strong, and everyone, bond and free, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall upon us, and hide us from the face of him who sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Apoc. 6:15-17.)
It can be commented that St John saw incarnate demons (acting, as is usual for them!) and (a remote possibility) in this vision that he saw humans amidst them. The focus of the whole of chapter seven is on who will be able to stand. As mentioned, chapter eight begins with the opening of the final seal; the seventh seal, and some notable effects on the earth of the fall of the angels; the third, and its effects. And then follows chapter nine, and the opening of the bottomless pit. Chapter ten begins with much heavenly imagery, and St John is told that he must “prophesy again.” Then follows the build-up to where we are now (we are in chapter 14.) Chapter eleven shows figures of the Old, and the New Testament; the “two” witnesses are sometimes specified to be, from the Old Testament, “Enoch” and “Eli” and also, from the New Testament, Christian preachers. The whole setting reveals the Two in the context of the prevailing and resoluteness of their words. This chapter also concludes with what can be described as a short condensing of events of the past centuries, and also concludes with an intense build-up period (to Our Lord's Second Coming);it fits into the vision of the judgement (ch 14) also with chapter 20; the Judgement.
The Apocalypse is Biblical and so there can be applicable interpretations as to this era (as with all eras.) For example, as mentioned, in relation to Babylon as synonymous with grandeur and excess, this is expressed in the context of various places and events in biblical times and Babylon is relevant to man's fallen wrong path ways.
Chapter twelve pictures the Church of The Old and The New Covenants. And also tells of the great battle that took place in heaven between the good angels and the bad angels. Chapter thirteen tells of “the beasts” and their ways; the “beasts” influence the wrong paths of mankind; it is the direction of the previous centuries which can be understood generally as increasingly placing the creature, man, before his Creator, God. He who created all things and upon whom all depends. Our focus and attention must be on Our Lord's Second Coming, shown in chapter 14 (Apoc.14v.14.) Much that comes after this is an explanation of what (as I understand it) happens between ch.14 and chapter 16, as well as what will follow. And which chapter (ch. 16) tells of Armagedon, and which seems to be that shown in parts of ch 19; the culmination of the great Spiritual battle. And, of course, it is obvious to say that we must focus first on Our Lord's Second Coming itself and as to how we must be. And this is important! The focus must be on being prepared for that day, and time, not on distracting speculations as to the future. For there are very many we are amidst who will do all that they can, and often in a subtle and cunning way, to prevent the humans left in the world from being adequately prepared for that Day.
Chapter fourteen is a very intense build-up to where we are right now in relation to our Lord's Second Coming. Chapter 14 tells of the fall of Babylon. It includes an emphasis on the torments of hell, this is immediately followed by those who have “overcome.” And then a focus on the Commandments (ch14:12.)Then immediately follows the Lord's Second Coming. This is shown in ch 14;14.
Here is shown chapters 14 to 16 of The Apocalypse. St John writes:
And I saw, and behold, the Lamb was standing upon Mount Sion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like a voice of many waters, and like a voice of loud thunder; and the voice that I heard was as of harpers playing on their harps. And they were singing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except those hundred and forty-four thousand, who have been purchased from the earth. These are they who were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were purchased from among men, first-fruits unto God and unto the Lamb, and in their midst there was found no lie; they are without blemish. (Apoc 14:1-5.)
And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having an everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell upon the earth and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people, saying with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give him honor, for the hour of his judgment has come; and worship him who made the heavens and the earth, the sea and fountains of water.” And another angel followed, saying, “She has fallen, Babylon the great, who of the wine of the wrath of her immorality has given all the nations to drink.” And another, a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark upon his forehead or upon his hand, he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured unmixed into the cup of his wrath; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torments goes up forever and ever; and they rest neither day nor night, those who have worshipped the beast and its image, and anyone who receives the mark of its name.”(Apoc 14:6-11.)
Here is the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth. Yes, says the Spirit, let them rest from their labors, for their works follow them.”(Apoc:14:12-13)
And I saw, and behold, a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sitting like to a son of man, having upon his head a crown of gold and in his hand a sharp sickle. (Apoc.14:14.)
And another angel came forth out of the temple crying with a loud voice to him who sat upon the cloud, “Put forth thy sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe.” And he who sat on the cloud cast his sickle upon the earth, and the earth was reaped. And another angel came forth out of the temple that is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came forth from the altar, he who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying,”Put forth thy sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for its grapes are fully ripe.” And the angel cast his sickle to the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and cast it into the great wine press of the wrath of God. And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and there came forth blood out of the wine press, up to the horses' bridles, for a thousand and six hundred stadia. (Apoc:14:15-20.)
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues. For in them has been completed the wrath of God. And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who had overcome the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God and singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God almighty; just and true are thy ways, O King of the ages. Who will not fear thee, O Lord, and magnify thy name? for thou alone art holy. For all nations will come and worship before thee; because thy judgements are manifest.” (Apoc; 15:1-4.)
And after this I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony was opened in heaven, and there came forth out of the temple the seven angels who had the seven plagues, clothed with clean white linen, and girt about their breasts with golden girdles. And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls, full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the majesty of God, and from his power; and no one could enter into the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. (Apoc 15:5-8.)
And I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God upon the earth.” And the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a sore and grievous wound was made upon the men who have the mark of the beast, and upon those who worshipped its image. And the second poured out his bowl upon the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every live thing in the sea died. And the third poured out his bowl upon the rivers and fountains of waters, and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Thou art just, O Lord, who art and who wast, O Holy One, because thou hast judged these things; because they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, blood also thou hast given them to drink; they deserve it!” And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, O Lord God almighty, true and just are thy judgements.” (Apoc.16:1-7.)
And the fourth poured out his bowl upon the sun, and he was allowed to scorch mankind with fire. And mankind were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has authority over these plagues, and they did not repent and give him glory. And the fifth poured out his bowl upon the throne of the beast; and its kingdom became dark, and they gnawed their tongues for pain. And they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their wounds, and they did not repent of their works. And the sixth poured out his bowl upon the great river Euphrates, and dried up its waters, that a way might be made ready for the kings from the rising sun. (Apoc:16:8-12.)
And I saw issuing from the mouth of the dragon, and from the mouth of the beast,and from the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are spirits of demons working signs, and they go forth unto the kings of the whole earth to gather them together for the battle on the great day of God almighty. “Behold, I come as a thief! Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” And he gathered them together in a place that is called in Hebrew Armagedon.(Apoc16:13-16.)
And the seventh poured out his bowl upon the air, and there came forth a loud voice out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It has come to pass!” And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, and there was a great earthquake such has never been seen since men were first upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it. And the great city came into three parts; and the cities of the nations fell. And Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of his fierce wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains could not be found. And great hail, heavy as a talent, came down from heaven upon men; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for it was very great.”(Apoc.16:17-21.)
As in chapter 6:15-17, it can be commented that St John saw incarnate demons and with the remote possibility of some humans amidst them. If the demons did not retain their cover, they risk being exposed in any revelation/ vision, as in St John's. But for any, few, and all humans left on earth at this time, it is hoped that they will have understood, because humans must never blaspheme, but whatever happens must show very sincere repentance. And always Trust in God; He knows our circumstances. Wherever and whatever happens think “Spero in Deo” (“Hope Thou in God.”) And Trust God:“....he is the shield of all that trust in him....”(ii Kgs 22:31.) And remember that there are always those trying to help you. From the earliest commentaries the similarity between the seven bowls and the seven trumpets has been noted.
Our guidance in the Apocalypse is that on The Day of The Lord we must have “overcome” (must be on the sea of glass (ch 15) in immediate preparation for the culmination of the great spiritual battle; Armagedon (ch16 and ch 19.) As I understand it the actual battle of Armagedon is shown in chapter 19:17-21, and with ch 20 stating, as mentioned earlier, as follows:
And when the thousand years are finished, Satan will be released from his prison, and will go forth and deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, and will gather them together for the battle; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up over the breadth of the earth and encompassed the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. And fire from God came down out of heaven and devoured them. [Apoc. 20:7-9] [Apoc. 20:7-9]
This could mean that the apostate angels will be gone before the judgement of mankind shown in chapter 20 :11 -15 (the vision of the judgement is shown in ch 14 v.14.) If so (although much could happen simultaneously) it will be a time for humans to galvanise in immediate preparation. As I understand it, the first two chapters of ch.20(1-6) are a build up to where we are now; have happened, are happening, and show the years of the Church, and the reign of Christ, and those Faithful with Him. This is in line with Church commentary; as shown in The Douey Rheims Bible. St Augustine of Hippo and St Jerome followed this teaching. In anticipation of that Day; the Day of Judgement, much turning to God's great and generous Mercy, and many prayers for ourselves and for others should be said; for it is the Day when all will kneel humbly before Him (Apoc.15:4.) He who is the King of kings, the Lord of lords (Apoc. 19:16.) The time when all will understand that the first goal in life is unto salvation. And be pleased to know the Song of Moses (Deut.31:30-32:43.) And to be in White Robes, and singing the Song of the Lamb. (Apoc. 15:3.) Our Lord says:
“But when the Son of Man shall come in his majesty, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory; and before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and he will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left...(Matt 25:31-33.) ….And the servants of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, did'st thou not sow good seed in thy field? How then does it have weeds?' He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' And the servants said to him, 'Wilt thou have us go and gather them up?' 'No,' he said, 'lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will say to the reapers, Gather up the weeds first and bind them in bundles to burn; but gather the wheat into my barn.' ” [Matt.13:27-30.]
“Overcoming” in order that we can be properly prepared. We must be on THE SEA OF GLASS. Again we can find guidance in the Apocalypse. To emphasize this again; here as follows; St John writes:
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who had overcome the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God and singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God almighty; just and true are thy ways, O King of the ages. Who will not fear thee, O Lord, and magnify thy name? for thou alone art holy. For all nations will come and worship before thee; because thy judgements are manifest.” (Apoc; 15:2-4.])
The Song of Moses.(Deut. 32:1-43) is very significant.
It is very highly significant that in this part of the Apocalypse the “song of Moses” is mentioned. The song of Moses is in The Book of Deuteronomy (Deut.32: 1-43) and it includes, and has a great emphasis upon, the need to show great gratitude to God for all that He has done for us. To be in great fear of His Wrath. The great dangers of indifferentism; of not focussing on Him (the first commandment is imperative for us.) The great dangers of doing things on our own. And the great dangers of following idolatries. It is God who deserves all of our Love; ALL glory and honour is due to Him. He who is our one and last end and upon Whom all depends.
The whole Bible is, of course, our much needed and great edification; our true education; our very life, and very much including the Old Testament. God, who has no need of us whatsoever, condescended to help us in our contemptible fallen predicament. The great lesson from the fall of Adam and Eve, is as to what disobedience to God means and that we should not follow our own ways but always seek to follow His ways; the lesson of the flood and the Ark (Gen 7:1-8:12) but also the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9) teaches us this. It is Eternal Wisdom that we must strive for; the ways of the Eternal. Our Lord's commands, teachings and Ways. And see esp. Jn ch 14-17. In loyal humility we must always seek to do things in God's ways. The Eternal Wisdom is the knowledge we must seek; see: The Gospels, and, for example, the Book of Ecclesiasticus. And the Psalms. And all the Wisdom literature in the Old Testament. And of course the writings of the Apostles; their epistles, in the New Testament; much is focused on how we should live during this short sojourn upon God's Earth and in preparation for His Second Coming. And keep to the traditional teaching of the Catholic Church!
God's great plan of salvation for mankind, following the fall of Adam and Eve (and the fall of all of mankind with them, and which meant an automatic descent in to hell upon death) culminated with the birth of our Saviour, Our Lord God Jesus Christ. Our Lord teaches us:
Everyone who has listened to the Father, and has learned, comes to me (Jn.6:45.)
The Song of The Lamb is also mentioned in The Apocalypse Chapter 15:
The Song of The Lamb; Our Lord's victory over death, His Sacrifice; His death and His glorious resurrection from the dead; prevented a man and a woman's automatic descent into hell upon death. We must be joined with Him in His glorious resurrection from the dead. Our Lord taught us and said to His apostles: In my Father's house there are many mansions. Were it not so, I should have told you, because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again, and I will take you to myself; that where I am, there you also may be. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”Thomas said to him, ”Lord, we do not know where thou art going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him:“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” (Jn.14:2-6.)
Our Lord gave many commands; the way of Truth; the code of conduct. Our Lord God; “O King of the ages.” (Apoc. 15:3.) We must stand in the right era; the era of preparation for the Lord. And keep in mind that this is our needed preparation for the Lord; who will come as the just Judge. We must be availed of His great Mercy. How great is God's Mercy? This is shown in the Book Of Ecclesiasticus: “...equal to his majesty is the mercy that he shows.” (Ecc. 2:18.)
And great gratitude to Him we owe. In reference to chapter 15 of the Apocalypse, we can look within the Apocalypse for a specific route to The “sea of Glass.” For this we can find another reference to “The Sea of Glass.” It is shown in (Apoc 4:4- 6) and consider what and who is associated with it, and, in particular, how to associate with who is on it! And so let us consider carefully the “route.” The route to “the sea of glass” in the Apocalypse consists in the worship of God; giving great glory to God. In chapter 4 we find the following:
And round about the throne are twenty-four seats; and upon the seats twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and on their heads crowns of gold. And from the throne proceed flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder; and there are seven lamps burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. And before the throne there is, as it were, a sea of glass like to crystal,...(Apoc:4:4-6.)
And animated nature is before the throne:
….And they do not rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is coming.” (Apoc:4:8.) …....“Worthy art thou, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and because of thy will they existed, and were created' (Apoc. 4:11.)
And of Our Lord, “The Lamb”:
And I saw, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.(Apoc.5:6)....And every creature that is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, and such as are on the sea, and all that are in them, I heard them all saying, “To him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing and honor and glory and dominion, forever and ever.” And the four living creatures said, “Amen,”and the elders fell down and worshipped him who lives forever and ever. (Apoc. 5:13-14.)
Specifically, in chapter 7 St John writes:
After this I saw a great multitude which no man could number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and with palms in their hands. And they cried out with a loud voice, saying “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing round about the throne, and the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying, “Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever. Amen.” (Apoc. 7:9-12.) And one of the elders spoke and said to me, “These who are clothed in white robes, who are they? and whence have they come?” And I said to him, “My Lord, thou knowest.” And he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple, and he who sits upon the throne will dwell with them. They shall neither hunger nor thirst any more, neither shall the sun strike them nor any heat. For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them, and will guide them to the fountains of the waters of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”(Apoc 7:13-17)
White garments/ robes are mentioned in the Apocalypse at (3:4-5) (3:18)(4:4) (6:11) (7:9) (7:13-14.) This teaches us as to how we must present ourselves in these crucial times of build up to Our Lord's Second Coming.
The Seven gifts of God The Holy Spirit are: Wisdom* Understanding* Counsel* Fortitude * Knowledge* Piety* Fear of The Lord.
In our fallen state we are far from our original state. But our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ (whose glorious resurrection from the dead we must be joined with) opened a way for us to be pleasing to God. To always seek the greater glory of God; to be in His service and be in a state of readiness for His service; and to help others to do the same; even amidst the difficulties of finding humans in this era, we must try to be in our way, given by God. Try always to be in and to provide the fertile soil whereby good seeds can be sown and flourish; all unto God's greater glory. To try to always please God in all that we do. For humans of this era it means being determined to live in the right ways no matter what the terrible distractions that are all around.
I calculate that now, more than one hundred and fifty years and numerous generations on from the mid-late 19th century [1864] that humans are now dispersed intermittently amidst the apostate angels, perhaps more condensed in some circumstances than others. And decreasing in numbers as we move towards the 2030's. Humans need to be alerted to this era, and unto salvation. As part of mission and preparation we must try to find humans. This by alerting all the inhabitants in any area to these being the very last times of the world as we know it; humans are amidst a vast density of apostate angels. It is vitally important for humans to be prepared for the Day of the Lord.
The 2030's
Of course only God knows the exact timing, but much does now correspond with what we have already been shown as to how the very last times will be! It is right to be in preparation Now for The Lord..
Why is the 2030's focussed on so specifically? Firstly, because of where we are in the revealed Divine timetable as shown in the Apocalypse, and the linking to events in more recent history. We have noted how events in recent centuries link to chapter 13 of the Apocalypse, and we are now well into chapter 14. And have noted what took place at La Salette in France in 1846(Apparition and Secret) and at how the warning given to the Church in the Secret links with the final two horsemen of the Apocalypse (ch 6:5-8) and to chapter 9; the release of the locusts from the “bottomless pit.” And there are also the events at Knock, in Ireland, which link with the Apocalypse.
In August 1879, a figure of St John the Apostle/the Divine appeared, alongside figures of The Holy Family, at Knock, Co Mayo, in Ireland. St John appeared, with book open, as though speaking, and wearing a mitre. This accords with the beginning of the Apocalypse where he sends the Apocalypse (as a bishop would send) to the bishops of the churches. The Holy Family were dressed in white robes, and with Our Lord; the Lamb. White robes, and our Lord as “The lamb” are very prevalent throughout the Apocalypse. The Lamb standing accords with Apoc.5:6. The white robes of the Apocalypse are shown at (3:4-5) (3:18)(4:4) (6:11) (7:9) (7:13-14) also As mentioned, they can be seen as a vital teaching as to how we must present ourselves in these crucial times of build up to Our Lord's Second Coming. How we need to be, as shown in the Apocalypse (ch. 15.)
A representation at Knock shrine of the 1879 Apparition.
There were fifteen official witnesses to the Apparition at Knock. No words were spoken in the Apparition. But strong visual imagery. And the Apparition took place at the church of St John the Baptist in Knock. St John the Baptist always brings to mind preparation for the Lord; “make ready the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.. (Mt 3:3)(Mk 1:3)(Lk3:4) (Jn 1:23.) And with the parish priest, Fr O' Grady, having placed this inscription on its west outer wall when the church was built:
This humble setting in rural Knock in the west of Ireland; poor, but rich in spiritual graces, also brings to mind our Lord's Words; Words so precious for us in our understanding:
For what does it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, but suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? [Mk 8:36-37, Mt 16:26.]
And note that the timing in St Malachy's ancient prophesy (vision); known as “the prophesy of the Popes” is accurate. Whilst in Rome in 1139, Archbishop Malachy predicted the remaining number of popes/holders of the papal chair. (see:www.acatholicland.org What St. Malachy really tells us.)
And the reality is that mankind depleting now rapidly in numbers means that the final chastisement cannot continue too much later on in the century and for there to be many humans at all left! And Our Lord said that He would shorten the days for the sake of the elect:
.. For in those days will be tribulations, such as have not been from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, nor will be. And unless the Lord had shortened the days, no living creature would be saved. But for the sake of the elect whom he has chosen, he has shortened the days. .....But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light, and the stars of heaven will be falling, and the powers that are in heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming upon clouds with great power and majesty. And then he will send forth his angels, and will gather his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost parts of the earth to the uttermost parts of heaven. [MK13:19-20&24-27.]
(note that some biblical texts state “no human flesh would be saved”) The Douey-Rheims text says “no flesh should be saved.”)
And events at the Westcliff in Ramsgate in Kent most certainly can be and should be understood as significant in this very last times context.
The Westcliff.
The Westcliff, Ramsgate, Kent.
The following is what took place at the Westcliff, Ramsgate, Kent, England, on March 5th 1992.
On the morning of March 5th 1992, I left the flat where I was living near Pegwell Bay in Ramsgate, to walk into town. It was a Thursday, around 9am. As I started to walk up the slight hill of Pegwell road I felt as though I was somehow being lifted from within.
It was a Spiritual force and it filled all of me, but I was aware of it initially and continuously as most powerfully in the middle of my ribcage, more towards the lower part and within. It was as though it was touching specifically a depth within me. I later thought that it was within my soul. It became more and more forceful and, as I walked onwards and turned into Saint Mildred's Avenue, it was as though I was being projected upwards and above and beyond myself in some way.
As I continued walking I began to realize that I had become immersed in what was happening and that I had covered quite a distance in what seemed a very short space of time, all the time the Spiritual force was increasing. I continued on a while and by this time was near to the top of the town.
Having turned instinctively to walk towards the seafront, I soon found myself in Marlborough Road. I crossed Queen Street/ Westcliff Road to go on into Addington Street and, as I did so, I looked up and high to my right, and I saw what was like a moving picture in the sky.
I saw soft flames in the sky but which seemed close and I saw persons sitting behind the flames. It was as though they were seated and very relaxed. The figures were very large and their appearance was radiant but with a softness and their hair looked very silky and in quite long, soft curls. I understand that this was the apostles.
Their clothes were very colourful, in primary colours, but with a gentleness. The flames looked soft and full and were darting about in front of them. One I noticed in particular, he had black hair which was shorter, rather than longer, it was in soft silky curls/waves like the others. His features seemed to be smiling, as in a very handsome appearance. And joyous. I later understood this to be Saint John the Divine.
I continued on and as I walked along the top of the Westcliff itself, the Spiritual force within me became stronger and stronger and, as I got towards the very end of the Westcliff, Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ spoke to me from the sky.
His voice was strong and clear, of the most immense power and with a very rich almost echoing density to it. It was monumentally powerful and to Itself, by this I mean it was as though there was nothing outside of Its force and impact. As He spoke, I was then walking in what was a great height. Our Lord said to me:
“Trust, Tell The Truth
Walk Ten Feet Tall
Always Know Where
You Are Going”
And I felt over a hundred feet tall, and, as I, Angela, have always described it, I felt as though I could have stepped across to France from the cliff top in two steps! I was totally immersed in what was happening and it was as though I was inclusive to the force Itself; that is, within Its great path. I was very bewildered and in awe.
Then, as the intensity of the Spiritual force receded, I became aware that there were others on the Westcliff, they were quite close by but seemed totally unaware of what had happened. I put my arm against a wall, I suppose to steady myself, and I noticed that my hands and my nails were as though being rushed to perfection. This part of the Westcliff is about a hundred and fifty yards or so from where the flat was. Back at the flat I looked in a mirror and saw that my skin was like a kind of porcelain and that my hair was silky and in waves, and that all the colours in my appearance were radiant and softly accentuated. I was then aware that a tooth root that had recently been troublesome, had been restored. And that other blemishes had gone. I thought later that in these moments I could have touched anything and it would have been restored as new. This spiritual state stayed in me for a while, but soon gradually receded over the hours and days.
And though a practicing Catholic, I had little understanding of my faith, and the true teachings of the Church. And I was found unworthy. And surrounded by many who had no wish to help. And some way from home; the case for a long time. I understand that I am from Ireland; most likely a rural part of Ireland.
Difficult circumstances and my own lack of attention and focus meant that for a long time I was away from where I needed to be and what I should have been doing. And when written down and given to the Church, no interest has been shown as to these events.
But God has been good to me, wanting my role for me, a poor wretched thing am I but armed with my Saviour's merits, and holding my Mother's (the Blessed Virgin Mary's) hand. I asked Her to mend for me like a mother mends for her child in its faltering, stumbling ways. She would ensure my heading in the right way and have me bonded to Her Son; our Saviour. The Blessed Virgin has a Mother's hold upon me. Her Spiritual Maternity is very powerful. All of our heavenly family of angels and saints want to and do help us, helped/help me who prayed/pray to them dearly.
God has been generous to me, showing me a Father's love. Gathering me to Himself; in His love my seeking Him. A true Father, showing me a Father's protection and love. He is very rich and splendid. His glory is all around. And Merciful. Trust Him. Fear Him. Seek Him. Give great honour and glory to Him. The great and awesome Majesty.
The part of the Westcliff concerned is a Sacred place and it has its own quite unique atmosphere and charm. I think that it retains, ever so slightly, the dimensional shifts I experienced in very early March 1992. And which dimensional shifts will, as I understand it, occur everywhere in the day(s) directly preceding the Lord's Second Coming. (See: Apoc.6:14.) And I have long since thought as to a statue being there; of Our Lord's Sacred Heart. This a focus on God's great Mercy. And a devotion so endorsed by the Early Father's of the Church. Looking up to heaven, and tall enough to be seen from France on a clear day.
Events from long before in my life placed me in Thanet on that day. But for which, as I understand it, I would not have been there; that I would most likely have been in Ireland. But that is where Our Lord spoke to me on that day. And The Westcliff at Ramsgate is a most Sacred place.
And the Westcliff at Ramsgate is near the spot (within a mile or so) of where St Augustine and his forty missionaries landed in England in 597 AD, and galvanized the existing pockets of Catholics who had bravely maintained the Faith (St Alban etc) through what had already been many centuries of various difficulties, and persecutions of the Church. And turned the pagan Saxon white horse (King Ethelbert, married to a Catholic princess had, fortunately, welcomed Augustine) into the White Horse that symbolizes the victory of Our Lord's Word; the identity of the first horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (Apoc. 6:2.)
And now to the significance of the date; 1992. This is 40 years before 2032; 2032 as being the 2000th anniversary of the first Easter, and of Our Lord's glorious Resurrection from the dead and Ascension into heaven. Some hold AD33 to be the first and which sees 2032 as the 2000th Easter. Forty years is the Biblical time of preparation and culmination; the flood waters were on the earth for 40 days (Gen 8:6) the Israelites spent 40 years in the desert (Jos.5:6.) Our Lord's 40 days period of fasting (Matt.4:2) the 40 days between Our Lord's resurrection and His Ascension(Acts 1:3.)
2032 could also be just before, in the same way as the Ascension is just before Pentecost. It could, of course, also be before the 2030's. Of course only God knows when the exact time will be. But the 2030's is rightly anticipated (should be a profound focus of attention) to be the decade of Our Lord's glorious Second Coming in Judgement.
If it does go later on into the century then the preparation for the 2030's will serve as a very valuable focus of preparation. But note, and to emphasize, this reason for the 2030's being such a focus, mankind depleting in numbers now rapidly, means that the final chastisement cannot go on too much further into the century and there be many humans at all left in the world. Please, and I emphasize, pray for direct help from God. Mankind is in very great need. Please pray for the Sign of The Son of Man (Matt.24:30.)
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, from wherever I am in my life now,
guide me as to how I must be. So that on Your
Day, it will be my day, in You. Amen
Plan and Prepare for the Lord.
© Angela Anne Mary St John (Angela M M Searles.)
Apostolic
Plan and
Prepare
Mission.
Veni Sancte Spiritu
(known as “the Golden Sequence")
Come, Thou Holy Spirit, come,
And from Thy celestial home
Shed a ray of light divine.
Come, Thou Father of the poor,
Come, Thou source of all our store,
Come, within our bosom's shrine,
Thou of comforters the best,
Thou the soul's delightful guest,
Sweet refreshment here below.
In our labour rest most sweet,
Pleasant coolness in the heat,
Solace in the midst of woe.
O most blessed Light divine.
Shine within these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill.
Where Thou art not, man have nought.
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew,
On our dryness pour Thy dew,
Wash the stains of guilt away.
Bend the stubborn heart and will,
Melt the frozen, warm the chill,
Guide the steps that go astray.
On Thy faithful who adore,
And confess Thee evermore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts descend.
Give them virtues sure reward,
Give them Thy salvation, Lord,
Give them joys that never end.
Amen. Alleluia.
Attributed to Pope Innocent III. (c.1160-1216 )Also to Cardinal Stephen Langton (c.1150-1228)
Archbishop of Canterbury. et al.
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