Signs of the times

“Take the fig tree as a parable: as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. So with you when you see all these things; know that he is near, at the very gates. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But as for that day and hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, no one but the Father only.” (Matthew 24: 32-36)

What are the signs of the tines today? Wars and rumors of wars. Acceptance of gay culture everywhere. Challenge of Church authority. Few vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Diminishing Mass attendance on Sundays. Failure to keep the Lord’s Day holy. Increasing number of divorces and breakdown in family life. Failure to keep sacred vows made to God. These are some of the signs of the times. These are signs that the hearts of men are growing cold. The word of God helps us to match its prophecies and predictions with what we observe around us. We pray and are vigilant so that we can recognize these signs.

Lord, explain your words to us and grant us faith in your word.