lukaswide37
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- Jun 23, 2024
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For centuries, prophecies and prophecies about the second coming of Jesus Christ have been the subject of deep reflection and spiritual reflection for believers around the world. The Gospel gives us many signs that foreshadow this final event. Jesus' words, recorded in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, regarding the events surrounding his return contain a vision of the last days that not only reveals the trials to come, but also makes us reflect on our values and attitudes as Christians.
The first sign of the return of Jesus Christ, as foretold in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, will be the appearance of false Christs. Jesus says, "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name and say, I am the Messiah. And they will deceive many." Jesus warns his disciples that in the future many will come claiming to be Him and claiming to be the Christ. They will use His name and teachings to mislead people. From the time of the first editions of the Gospels to the present day, history knows many cases of false Christs and prophets who, using the teachings of Jesus, tried to gain power over the minds and hearts of people.
Their actions often lead to confusion and rifts in society and believers who seek spiritual guidance and hope. The modern world is exposed to the intensive development of technologies and media that enable the rapid spread of information. Many false prophets use these means to spread their teachings and beliefs, gaining followers around the world. Unfortunately, many people who are looking for answers and purpose in life are easy prey for manipulation and misinformation. False Christs often promise spectacular miracles, healings, wealth and solutions to all problems. Their goal is to unite people around themselves to gain power and influence, not to direct them to the true Jesus Christ.
Their actions are contrary to the true teaching of Jesus, which is based on love, mercy, humility and devotion to God and neighbor. Faced with this reality, how should we defend ourselves against the influence of false prophets and false Christs? First of all, we need to know and understand the teachings of Jesus as given in the Gospel in order to be able to distinguish the real message from manipulation. Critical thinking, prayer, and trust in the guiding spirit can also help avoid the dangers of false prophets. We must seek a deep and genuine relationship with Jesus that will allow us to know His love and wisdom, and to discern the differences between His teachings and those of the false prophets.
The second sign of the return of Jesus Christ, as reported in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, includes a series of calamities and calamities, such as wars, famines, plagues and earthquakes. Jesus says, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars; beware, do not be alarmed. This must happen, but it is not over yet! For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famine and pestilence, and earthquakes in places." . Jesus warns his disciples that humanity will face great difficulties and suffering before the final end of time. This vision of the future is a warning to us to be ready and strengthened in faith when these signs begin to be fulfilled.
Observing the modern world, it is hard not to notice that many of these prophecies are actually being fulfilled. Conflicts and wars in various parts of the world continue to cause millions of people to suffer violence, destruction and despair. Instead of seeking reconciliation and peace, nations continue to face each other, leading to long-term conflicts and tensions. Hunger and malnutrition continue to be a problem for many regions of the world, despite significant advances in technology and agriculture. People around the globe suffer from a lack of access to adequate sources of food and drinking water. In addition, plagues and diseases bring death and suffering to many people, exposing them to unique health and social challenges.
Earthquakes and other natural disasters such as floods, fires and droughts are also becoming more common. Climate change and human activities are affecting our planet's ecosystems and atmosphere, causing an increase in the occurrence of natural disasters. These disasters cause enormous material losses, human suffering and tragedies that affect millions of people around the world. Jesus' prophecy of the signs of his second coming shows that these calamities will increase as time goes by. Therefore, as believers, we are called to prayer, mercy and action for those who suffer as a result of these events. We should also persevere in faith and hope, knowing that God is with us even in these difficult times.
It is also important for us to bear in mind that while the signs portend suffering, they are also the beginning that leads to the final triumphal return of Jesus Christ. His return will be infinite love, justice and salvation for those who persevere and in faith await him. These prophecies are intended to prepare us to never lose sight of the hope of the Lord's return, and to strive constantly for the salvation of our souls and to follow His teachings. Faced with these signs, it is important that we live with love for our neighbor, mercy and solidarity with those who suffer.
The third sign of the return of Jesus Christ, as reported in the Gospel of Matthew, shows us a picture of increasing social divisions, loss of faith in God and
The third sign of the return of Jesus Christ, as reported in the Gospel of Matthew, shows us a picture of increasing social divisions, loss of faith in God and persecution of believers. Jesus says, "Then they will hand you over to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all the nations for my name's sake. Then many will be shaken in faith; they will betray one another and hate one another." In his words, Jesus foretells difficult times when believers will face challenges and suffering because of their faith in his name. Looking at the modern world, we cannot ignore the fact that in many parts of the globe believers experience persecution and discrimination because of their faith.
In some areas, Christians are physically persecuted and even killed simply for identifying with Jesus Christ. They are exposed to various forms of oppression and their rights are restricted by the authorities or extremist groups. In other regions of the world, Christians who resist certain social, moral or political trends face rejection, ridicule and exclusion. Their stance against moral corruption or immoral practices causes controversy and criticism from society. Christians who remain faithful to their faith and do not succumb to new trends or ideologies can be marginalized and ridiculed as conservative or unreasonable.
In addition, nowadays we can often see a growing skepticism about faith and God. People are increasingly rejecting traditional religious values, and science, technology, and secularism seem to supplant the spirit of God. Modern society often questions or rejects the existence of God, and faith becomes a controversial topic, treated with distrust or complete disregard. The prophecy of Jesus in the Gospel is like a mirror reflecting the reality of today's world.
We see how faith in God and Jesus is undermined by various ideologies and social movements that promote atheistic attitudes, agnosticism and moral relativism. With increasing materialism and hedonism, spiritual values are increasingly ignored or considered obsolete. However, despite these difficulties and challenges, we should not give up hope or give up our convictions. On the contrary, we should remain faithful to the Gospel and be examples of love, compassion and forgiveness towards others.
The fourth sign of the return of Jesus Christ, as reported in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, refers to the loss of love of many people due to the increase of iniquity in the world. Jesus says, "And because iniquity will increase, the love of many will grow cold." In his prophecies, Jesus shows that the spread of sin, the departure from God's plans and values, and the denial of God's existence will lead to the weakening and loss of love in the hearts of many people. We are now seeing iniquity and sin spreading in various ways in societies around the world. The increase in selfishness, materialism, greed, hatred and lack of respect for others affects interpersonal relationships and weakens social ties.
People increasingly focus on their own interests and needs, forgetting about caring for others and the common good. Secularism and a lack of religious beliefs are other factors that lead to the estrangement of love. Many people reject belief in God and spiritual values in favor of secular ideologies and philosophies. Instead of building a relationship with God and searching for a deeper meaning in life, they focus on earthly things that often do not bring lasting fulfillment. The breakup of families is another worry that contributes to the reduction of love in society. The increasing number of divorces, separations and neglect of family ties affects the healthy emotional and psychological development of many people.
The lack of love and care in family relationships leads to increased tensions, conflicts and loneliness, which negatively affects the whole society. Undoubtedly, the violation of social values and cultural heritage also contributes to the weakening of love. The modern world is exposed to the erosion of traditional values that have shaped societies for many generations. Globalization, the clash of cultures and ideologies, as well as various propaganda and media manipulations contribute to the collapse of common norms and moral principles that fostered love, understanding and harmony in communities. However, despite these challenges and the cooling of love, there are still people who care for others, dedicate their time and energy for the common good, and take action for justice and mercy.
Christians who base their lives on love, understanding, respect, and compassion are a light in the darkness, showing that love can still triumph over iniquity. In the face of the fourth sign of Jesus' return, it is important that we pay attention to these challenges and try to build love and community in our surroundings. Prayer, reflection and the practice of charity are essential to keep our hearts open to others and to act in a spirit of love and understanding, especially towards those who are most in need.
As iniquity spreads, believers should remain faithful to the Gospel and imitate Jesus in His mercy and self-sacrifice. Of course, achieving this will not be easy, but strong faith, mutual support in the spiritual community and the practice of love will contribute to the growth and revival of love, which is essential for salvation and harmonious life in society.
The fifth sign of the return of Jesus Christ, as reported in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, refers to the spread of the Gospel and the truth of the Kingdom of God over the whole earth. Jesus says, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the earth for a witness to all nations. And then the end will come." It is a prophecy that shows us that before the final coming of the Lord Jesus, His teachings and mission will be preached as a witness to all nations, so that everyone can hear the truth about God's love and salvation. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, guiding and strengthening them to preach the Gospel.
The first disciples of Jesus, the Apostles, undertook the mission of preaching the Gospel throughout Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Their zeal, courage and devotion contributed to the spread of Christianity to various parts of the world. Today, Christians are scattered all over the globe, forming large and diverse communities of believers. Thanks to advanced means of communication and globalization, it is easier than ever before to communicate the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus. People on different continents have access to information about Jesus and His love, which makes it possible to reach the hearts of many people more widely. The truth about God and His kingdom of love thus becomes the last message to enlighten the world for Christ's return.
In the face of an increasingly materialized world dominated by greed, selfishness and the loss of spiritual values, the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus are like a light that illuminates the darkness and brings hope. It is a message of mercy that shows that God loves every person, regardless of their past or sins, and that he offers the possibility of conversion and salvation. The gospel is a message of hope, pointing to God's love and salvation, which is available to anyone who believes and follows Jesus. It is the love of God, which is mercy, care and understanding, that confronts the fear that Satan promotes. Love removes fears and complexes, revealing the true nature of God as a Father who wants to welcome his children with open arms.
The message of the Gospel is hated by Satan because his purpose is to lead people into darkness and terror. He wants to instill fear in us, which causes us to distance ourselves from love and truth. However, the Gospel is the power of God that thwarts all evil plans of Satan. It is through faith and trust in God that we can cast aside fear and come closer to true love, which is a gift from God. Faced with the fifth sign of Jesus' return, we are called to continue the mission of preaching the Gospel throughout the world. Our responsibility as believers is to share the love, mercy and hope of Jesus with others. Through our actions, words and lives, we can revive love in the hearts of many people, leading them to the kingdom of God and preparing them for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ
