I often wonder who or what is the Antichrist?
In our first reading the meaning of the Anti-Christ is many. It could be a group, a philosophy, an actual person or any combination of these. Saint John says the anti-Christ is here among us now and not somewhere in the future that lurks for unsuspecting Christians. He was active then and active now. He will also be active before the second coming of Christ.
Complicated!
So, I am still totally unsure how the anti-Christ works. Sounds like the devil but also sounds like a total new evil entity that is there to lead us astray. Still, he is working against us. We must prepare.
Watch yourselves, or all our work will be lost and not get the reward it deserves. If anybody does not keep within the teaching of Christ but goes beyond it, he cannot have God with him: only those who keep to what he taught can have the Father and the Son with them.
So, it looks like the teaching of Christ and loving one another is the key to defeat the anti-=Christ in our midst. Sounds good on paper but how do we practice this in our daily spiritual lives. If the direction of our lives is to follow the commandments and love one another as Christ loves us. So, when we reexamine our spiritual journey and the direction our life is taking then we need to make sure we are not the food for vultures.
Anyone who tries to preserve his life will lose it; and anyone who hloses it will keep it safe. So, in reality they theological implications are less important that what we are supposed to do to fighCt against him.
So, we follow the commandments, love one another and be on guard against the anti-Christ who will teach and proclaim anything that Jesus never said. Conversely, we have to know what Jesus does say. Not the teaching of some wild preacher on the TV. Be on guard against the anti=Christ but you have the Holy Spirit to direct you and be your defender. Never fear.
A prayer for our new President of the United States. Genisis12:2-3* I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will find blessing in you.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please Pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people and their soldiers. Pray for the Holy Land. Pray for peace!
Romans 12:9-13; Exodus 22:20; Deuteronomy 10:19; Hebrews 13:2
