May the jubilant voice of the Church reach all of you with the words which the ancient hymn puts on the lips of Mary Magdalene, the first to encounter the risen Jesus on Easter morning. She ran to the other disciples and breathlessly announced: “I have seen the Lord!” (Jn 20:18). We too, who have journeyed through the desert of Lent and the sorrowful days of the Passion, today raise the cry of victory: “He has risen! He has truly risen!”

Every Christian relives the experience of Mary Magdalene. It involves an encounter which changes our lives: the encounter with a unique Man who lets us experience all God’s goodness and truth, who frees us from evil not in a superficial and fleeting way, but sets us free radically, heals us completely and restores our dignity.

This is why Mary Magdalene calls Jesus “my hope”: he was the one who allowed her to be reborn, who gave her a new future, a life of goodness and freedom from evil. “Christ my hope” means that all my yearnings for goodness find in him a real possibility of fulfillment with him I can hope for a life that is good, full and eternal, for God himself has drawn near to us, even sharing our humanity.

But Mary Magdalene, like the other disciples, was to see Jesus rejected by the leaders of the people, arrested, scourged, condemned to death and crucified. It must have been unbearable to see Goodness in person subjected to human malice, truth derided by falsehood, mercy abused by vengeance. With Jesus’ death, the hope of all those who had put their trust in him seemed doomed. But that faith never completely failed: especially in the heart of the Virgin Mary, Jesus’ Mother, its flame burned even in the dark of night.

In this world, hope can not avoid confronting the harshness of evil. It is not thwarted by the wall of death alone, but even more by the barbs of envy and pride, falsehood and violence. Jesus passed through this mortal mesh in order to open a path to the kingdom of life. For a moment Jesus seemed vanquished: darkness had invaded the land, the silence of God was complete, hope a seemingly empty word.

And, on the dawn of the day after the Sabbath, the tomb is found empty. Jesus then shows himself to Mary Magdalene, to the other women, to his disciples. Faith is born anew, more alive and strong than ever, now invincible since it is based on a decisive experience: “Death with life contended: combat strangely ended! Life’s own champion, slain, now lives to reign”. The signs of the resurrection testify to the victory of life over death, love over hatred, mercy over vengeance: “The tomb the living did enclose, I saw Christ’s glory as he rose! The angels there attesting, shroud with grave-clothes resting”.

Dear brothers and sisters! If Jesus is risen, then – and only then – has something truly new happened, something that changes the state of humanity and the world. Then he, Jesus, is someone in whom we can put absolute trust; we can put our trust not only in his message but in Jesus himself, for the Risen One does not belong to the past, but is present today, alive.

Christ is hope and comfort in a particular way for those Christian communities suffering most for their faith on account of discrimination and persecution. And he is present as a force of hope through his Church, which is close to all human situations of suffering and injustice.

Happy Easter to all!

- – - written by Pope emErItus Benedict XVI

1. The Antichrist will be a man – Daniel 7:24-25
2. He will confirm a covenant for 7 years – Daniel 9:27
Now also, this does not mean that he creates this covenant. The word here for “confirm” is 1396 gabar (gaw-bar’); a primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently: KJV– exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more [strength], strengthen, be stronger, be valiant. The Antichrist will strengthen a covenant for a 7 year time span. Now this could be an existing covenant (like the Jerusalem Covenant) or a new covenant drawn up at that time.
3. He will rise among 10 kings – Daniel 7:8
This 10 nation union will be a revived Holy Roman Empire – Daniel 2:44
4. He will uproot 3 kings from the original 10 kings to gain political power – Daniel 7:8
5. His 10 nation union will merge into a world government which he will dominate – Revelations 13:1-2
Now this also, could refer to several things. First, the 10 nations could merge into an EXISTING world government, such as the U.N. Or it could for a new world government, much like the U.N. Or, this 10 nation confederation could be something like the new 10 nation common stock market. A union like this would definitely rule the world, without having a “seat” of power. Whoever controls the money, controls the globe.
6. He will ascend to power on a platform of peace. By peace, he will destroy many – Daniel 8:25
7. He will be promoted and exalted by a miracle-working religious partner (false prophet) – Revelations 13:11-12
8. He was, and is not, and yet is – Revelations 17:8
More than likely this is referring to political power. The Antichrist will have ruled, but then be taken out of power. Only to rise back up again to power as the head of the One World Government.
9. The world government over which he rules will be a red (communistic or socialistic) government – Revelations 17:14
10. The Antichrist will be preceded by 7 kings or rulers. He will be the 8th king. He will also be “of” the 7 – Revelations 17:11
Now this scripture has many different ways it can be viewed. The word “goeth” in the scripture is 5217 hupago (hoop-ag’-o); from 5259 and 71; to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively: KJV– depart, get hence, go (a-) way. So we see that he will withdraw or retire from sight. But will rise back up again to power. Now this could be taken as to mean 7 kings. Or this could be taken as 7 World Governments that have ruled. So far there have been 6. 1. Egypt. 2. Assyria. 3. Babylon. 4. Medo-Persia. 5. Greece. 6. Rome
11. He will have a mouth speaking great things. Very boastful – Daniel 7:8
12. His look will be more stout than his fellows – Daniel 7:20
The word “stout” means 7227 rab (rab); by contracted from 7231; abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality): KJV– (in) abound (-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great (-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, [time]), (do, have) many (-ifold, things, a time), ([ship-]) master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply (-tude), officer, often [-times], plenteous, populous, prince, process [of time], suffice (-lent). So this can have several meanings. It could mean one of the following: the Antichrist will be larger in size than everybody else, will be older than everybody else, will have more of a “following” than anybody else, is a higher military or political rank than anybody else, or is more qualified than anybody else. What ever this verse is speaking about, it is obvious when you look at him.
13. He will have a fierce countenance – Daniel 8:23
14. He will understand puzzling things – Daniel 8:23
15. He will cause craft to prosper – Daniel 8:25
It is interesting to note the definition of the word “craft” here. It is 4820 mirmah (meer-maw’); from 7411 in the sense of deceiving; fraud: KJV– craft, deceit (-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. No wonder, for the Bible says that he is the father of lies. So his policy or his success will make it possible for his deception of the world to prosper. God said that if you do not believe the truth, that he would send strong delusion that you should believe a lie.
16. He apparently assumes world dominating power 3 1/2 years after he confirms the covenant. He then will continue to reign for 42 months – Revelations 13:5
17. The Abomination of Desolation is the event that signals the beginning of this final 42 months – Daniel 9:27
It is interesting to note, that many scholars believe that at the Abomination of Desolation is when Revelations 12:7-10 occurs. At which point the Antichrist becomes “possessed” by Satan himself and then forces the Mark or death upon everybody.
18. He opposes God – 2 Thessalonians 2:4
19. He will speak marvelous things against the God of gods – Daniel 11:36
20. He will exalt himself above all that is called God – 2 Thessalonians 2:4
21. He will sit in the temple of God – 2 Thessalonians 2:4
22. He will claim to be God (or an incarnation of God) – 2 Thessalonians 2:4
23. He will take away the daily sacrifices from the temple – Daniel 11:31
24. He will plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain – Daniel 11:45
It would seem here that the Antichrist will setup small “fortifications” in between the sea and Jerusalem, to help keep control over things in distant areas away from the main offices.
25. He will have power to make war with the saints and to overcome them – Revelations 13:7
26. He will continue this war with the saints for 3 1/2 years – Daniel 7:21, 25
27. This time of Great Tribulation is launched upon the Earth by the Antichrist at the Abomination of Desolation. – Matthew 24:15,21.
Up until this time, it would seem that he is a man of peace and not war. But now he shows his true colors. Perhaps is possessed by Satan himself at this point as well. Which would account for the false front being dropped at this time.
28. During this time, the Antichrist will scatter the power of the holy people – Daniel 12:7
29. He will rule a mighty and strong kingdom – Daniel 7:7
30. He was given power over all kindreds, tongues and nations – Revelations 13:7
31. His kingdom will devour the whole earth – Daniel 7:23
32. He will have great military power that will stand behind him, to enforce his laws – Daniel 11:31
33. He will try to change times and laws; and they will be given into his power for 3 1/2 years – Daniel 7:25
34. He will give great honor to the God of forces, with gold, silver, jewels, etc – Daniel 11:38
35. He will prosper in everything that he does – Daniel 8:24
36. He will not regard the God of his fathers – Daniel 11:37
37. He will not regard the desire of women – Daniel 11:37
It is interesting to note here that most people think that he will be a homosexual, which could be. But rather I think that he will place limitations upon children being born. Similar to what is being done in China now. Why? Because it is the natural desire of a woman, that God has given to them, to be a mother. By not regarding this natural desire, he would cause a “forced” limit on the amount of children a woman was “allowed” to have.
38. The mark of the beast will be the amount of his name – Revelations 14:11
39. All that dwell upon the Earth will worship him, except those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life – Revelations 15:2
40. He will have an image made after him – Revelations 15:2
This could also be in reference to his kingdom’s logo or insignia. Much like the U.N. has a logo that every soldier on a U.N. mission must wear, there might also be a logo or insignia that his armies would have to wear. His coming will be after the workings of Satan – 2 Thessalonians 2:8
41. He will fight against Jesus Christ at Armageddon (and lose I might add!) – Revelations 17:14
42. He will stand against the Prince of princes – Daniel 8:25
43. The Lord will consume him with the spirit of his mouth (which is the Word of God) – 2 Thessalonians 2:8
44. The Lord will destroy him with the brightness of his coming (which is his glory) – 2 Thessalonians 2:8
45. He will be cast alive into the lake of fire – Revelations 19:20
46. He will be tormented day and night for ever and ever – Revelations 20:10

Be inspired by the zeal of the saints for the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

JESUS is calling us to announce His gospel of mercy, forgiveness and love. Winning souls for Him by interesting others in our holy Faith should be the business and concern of every Catholic. Christ’s words were addressed to all His followers including you. “Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). And again: “Go, therefore, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold I am with you all days even unto the consummation of the world” (Matt. 28:19,20). These words were addressed not only to the Apostles but also to all His followers.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ promised: “Therefore everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge him before My Father in Heaven” (Matt. 10:32), and “He who reaps receives a wage and gathers fruit unto life everlasting so that the sower and reaper may rejoice together” (John 4:36).

Consider the zeal and examples of some of the saints and holy persons:

St. James the Apostle: “He must know that he who causes a sinner to be converted from the error of his way will save his own soul from death and shall cover a multitude of sins” (St. James 5, 19-20).

St. John Chrysostom, (347-407), the illustrious Bishop of Constantinople, and Doctor of the Church, tells us: “Zeal for the salvation of souls is of so great a merit before God, that to give up all our goods to the poor, or to spend our whole life in the exercises of all sorts of austerities cannot equal the merit of it. There is no service more agreeable to God than this one. To employ one’s life in this blessed labor is more pleasing to the Divine Majesty than to suffer martyrdom. Would you not feel happy if you could spend large sums of money in corporal works of mercy? But know that he who labors for the salvation of souls does far more; nay, the zeal of souls is of far greater merit before God . . . than the working of miracles.”

St. Vincent de Paul (1576-1660): That St. Vincent was devoured by zeal for the house of God, his entire life testifies, because that life was employed in combating evil and extending the reign of good; and in this consists true zeal. Listen to some of his instructions to his community: “Let us give ourselves to God, gentlemen, to go to carry His holy Gospel over the entire earth and into whatever part He may lead us; there, let us maintain our part, and continue our duties until such time as His good pleasure will withdraw us. Let no difficulties move us, the glory of the eternal Father and the efficacy of the Word and of the passion of His Son are at stake. The salvation of men and our own are so great that they merit to be obtained at any price.”

St. Margaret Mary (1647-1690): “My divine Savior has given to understand that those who work for the salvation of souls will have a gift of touching the most hardened hearts, and will labor with marvelous success, if they themselves are penetrated with a tender devotion to His Divine Heart.”

St. Anthony Mary Claret (1808-1870): “Another thing that spurs me on to preach ceaselessly is the thought of the multitude of souls which fall into the depths of hell, who die in mortal sin, condemned forever and ever… if you were to see a blind man about to fall into a pit or over a precipice, would you not warn him? Behold, I do the same…” “How often I pray with St. Catherine of Siena: O my God, grant me a place by the gates of Hell, that I may stop those who enter there, saying: “Where are you going, unhappy one? Back, go back! Make a good confession. Save your soul. Don’t come here to be lost for all eternity!” St. Anthony resolved never to waste a moment of time, and during his 35 years as a priest, he wrote 144 books and preached some 25,000 sermons. On one trip, besides traveling, he preached 205 sermons in 48 days and 12 in one day.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897): “We have only short moments of this life to work for God’s glory. The devil knows this and that is why he tries to make us waste time in useless things. O, let us not waste our time! Let us save souls! Souls are falling into hell innumerable as the flakes of snow on a winter day. Jesus weeps! Instead of consoling Him we are brooding over our own sorrows . . . There is only one thing to do during the brief day, or rather, night of this life: Love Jesus with all the strength of your heart and save souls for Him, so that He may be loved!”

Our Lord to Sr. Josefa Menen-dez (1890-1923): “I am not attracted by your merits but by your love for souls.” “When a soul is generous enough to give me all I ask, she gathers up treasures for herself and others and snatches great numbers of souls from perdition.” “ I so much want souls to understand this! It is not the action in itself that is of value; it is the intention with which it is done.” “Understand this well, Josefa: when a soul loves Me, she can make up for many who offend Me, and this relieves My Heart.” “One faithful soul can repair and obtain mercy for many ungrateful ones.” “A little act of generosity, of patience, of poverty . . . may become treasure that will win a great number of souls to My Heart.”

Pope Pius XII (1939-1958): “No one is permitted to be idle and lazy while so many evils and dangers impend, and while those who are on the other side are working so hard to destroy the very basis of Catholic religion.”

- – - written by Richard White