Reflection from Fr. Joseph | | |
Are We In The End Times? Part 1
Fr. Joseph Gill
It used to be that apocalyptic talk was relegated to the fringes of society. But a recent study indicated that about a third of Americans believe we’re living in the End Times! Earlier in March, Putin’s Kremlin announced that we were in the Last Days with the current war simmering in the Middle East, and Peter Theil from Palantir has been holding a series of discussions about the Anti-Christ. Catholics, too, are also sounding the alarm: Fr. Chad Ripperger, Catholic author Mark Mallett, and many other sane and holy individuals are also indicating that world events might be drawing toward a dramatic climax.
Are we in the "end times"? That is a question that has been asked in every age. We believe, as Christians, that human history is not just a series of meaningless, random events, but that we are part of a Larger Story - one that is being written by God and accomplishing His purposes. Every story has a Beginning (Creation & the Fall), a Middle (Christ's Incarnation and Paschal Mystery), and an End (Christ's triumphal return). So are we in the End? We are certainly well past the middle - about 2,000 years past the middle - which is about how far Abraham was from Christ, historically. The question that no one knows is how close we are to the end - it could be a year, five years, a hundred years, a thousand years...in my personal opinion, it will not happen in my lifetime. But "the end" is not just a moment, it is a process. In a sense one could trace the beginning of "the End" back to the 1400s with the rise of the Renaissance, because it was a system that began to take the attention off of God and put it back on Man, seeing the creature without a relation to the Creator.
Thinking of ourselves in "the end" is, to me, just situating ourselves in the Larger Story. We talk about the mundane and the boring nature of our everyday lives - and certainly all of our lives are full of mundane, boring things. But not unimportant things. Many years ago, my sister and I went to go see the first Lord of the Rings together in the movie theater. We were driving home and gazing into a brilliant sunset when she sighed deeply and said, "Oh, I wish life could be like that! An epic quest, a thrilling adventure!" I've often used that quote in talks that I've given, because I think it was a profound insight into the human heart.
Human beings want to know that their life is not just a random chance accident, that our presence here on this planet isn't just unnoticed and unimportant. This desire of the human heart was placed there by God, because we do play an irreplaceable role in a grand epic - the epic of Salvation History. So those mundane, boring tasks, when seen through that lens, take on monumental significance. Consider: when a mother cleans a dirty diaper or makes dinner for her kids, she is taking care of the physical needs of an immortal soul who will someday spend eternity as an eternal triumph of glory or an everlasting tragedy of horror. These immortal souls in your house will someday either advance the Kingdom of God here on earth, taking back ground for the King, or will participate in the Kingdom's further destruction. All of the mundane tasks that we do have ramifications in history and into eternity. We are part of an epic tale, a battle between good and evil, which is fought in every soul, in every home, in every nation, in every age.
And so I do find it spiritually helpful to be aware of what role we might be playing at this critical juncture in history. One thing that such reflections have taught me is how much of the stuff I worry about on a daily basis won't matter in the grand scheme of things. That traffic jam, that jaywalker, that worry about money - will it matter if the end is near? Because, after all, whether or not the end of the world is near, the end of my world is near and guaranteed. Apocalyptic thinking is just memento mori writ large. It helps me to remember that life is bigger than my petty worries and that I have to focus on the truly important things - being ready for when Christ comes for me.
When I became a priest, one thing that struck me deeply is how much our liturgy talks about Christ's Second Coming. I never really noticed it until I started celebrating Mass, but all of the Eucharistic prayers and the Memorial Acclamations - and even much of the New Testament - is all about awaiting His return. We are an eschatological people, always looking for the culmination of all things. In a sense, Christ's death on the Cross was an incomplete redemption - not that He has to add anything to it, but sin continues to multiply even with the tremendous outpouring of grace. The Cross allowed us to be reconciled to God if we respond to the grace - but He has not yet exercised His full dominion over creation. The dominion is His, but He awaits the fulfillment of all things in order to display His full might and power. That is why the Church has cried in every age, "Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!" As Catholics we are all longing for that day when His redemption will be complete, when "the last enemy to be destroyed is death" (1 Cor 15:26).
As we await that final victory, Christ calls us to be vigilant and to observe the signs of the times. Every age has had to wrestle with the question, "Is the end near?" Our age is no different. And so, prophets and wise men and those who have the mind of Christ would do well to continue to discern that question. I do think there are some fundamental differences between our age and the ages past (stay tuned for Part 2) but every person in every age is called to discern wisely the signs of the times. Although we can't draw any solid conclusions yet, we should always prayerfully consider the evidence in geopolitics and the philosophical winds that blow. I think it can be quite helpful, spiritually. The number of times we are called in Scripture to be vigilant, watchful, keeping our spiritual eyes open - it's a constant theme in the New Testament.
Rather than taking us away from the duties of our state in life, consideration of "the end" can help us to perform them with more diligence, knowing that if we are half-hearted or sleepy, the Bridegroom will return and leave those foolish virgins outside. If I (wrongly) believe that my life is just full of boring, meaningless things, or that Christ's coming is so delayed that I will always have time to repent and draw close to Him, then He will arrive like a thief in the night. This is true not just for each individual but for the world as well. Is the Church ready? Is the world ready? If not, what do we need to do to prepare ourselves for His coming?
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Join us in praying for all of the children who will be receiving their First Holy Communion tomorrow!
Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for the most precious gift of the Holy Eucharist. We ask You to bless all those who are preparing to receive Your Body and Blood
for the first time.
You have provided for us richly through the gift of Your Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Receiving the Holy Eucharist is a tremendous blessing, and we ask You to bless these young children as they prepare to receive You.
Help them to grow in love for You each day of their lives. Help them to always appreciate the great gifts You have given them for their salvation.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
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Next Youth Encounter - DATE CHANGE
Friday 5/8 instead of 5/1
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May Rooted Magazine
Here is the link for May's Rooted Magazine with a link to past issues here.
It is full inspiration for the the month of Mary!
Printed copies will be available at the family ministry table.
| | SPACE IS FILLING UP QUICKLY REGISTER SOON! | | |
SAINT JUDE KIDS CLUB
THIS SUNDAY!
Pizza Bingo with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth
Sunday, May 3
3-5 pm
email family ministry@stjuderc.org to RSVP
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The Knights of Columbus want to again thank the Parish community for their generosity with donations for the Domingo Arribas Memorial Needs Drive this past Saturday, April 25. Another successful event to benefit our local community.
We collected nearly 2200 lbs of clothing, shoes, bedding, etc. for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission (BRM) which was a record for us! We also received a significant amount of non-perishable foods to help replenish supplies for Blessed Sacrament & Father Skip. Baby clothing, toys, as well as 5 large boxes of diapers were collected for Hopeline. All recipients were extremely thankful for our generosity.
Thanks to everyone who gave and the volunteers who assisted with the drive. Until next Fall, please have a very happy and safe summer.
May God Bless --
Rocky Scali & Frank Flynn
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SAVE THE DATE: BLOOD DRIVE ON MAY 16
On Saturday, May 16, the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes will co-sponsor a blood drive in the Social Hall. The collection time is from 8 AM until 1 PM. If you wish to donate, you can access www.redcrossblood.org, search for our drive on May 16 and select a time to donate. We hope to see you there.
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The Saint John XXIII Auxiliary #5987 of the Columbiettes cordially invite you to our annual Virtual Tea Party Fundraiser to support our charitable works.
We will be distributing invitations on the weekends of April 25 and 26 and May 2 and 3, 2026. Each envelope includes a tea bag, a request for prayer response card and return envelope. Please write the names of your loved ones living or deceased that you would like us to include in prayer. At the Columbiettes May meeting we will pray the rosary and include the names of your intentions.
Please return the response card with your donation by May 9th. You can drop off in the basket at mass, drop it off at the parish office or mail to : St Jude Church 707 Monroe Turnpike Monroe, CT 06468
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Rededication of Memorial
To the Unborn
This is a mass to thank God for the gift of life, to atone for the sin of abortion, and to pray for an end to abortion and the remembrance of the unborn.
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
Daniel’s Farm Rd Trumbull, CT
Inside Mausoleum
Saturday May 9th
10:00 A.M.
Celebrant - Father Joseph Gill
Please join the Knights of Columbus
Council 5987
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May Crowning
Mary, Madonna of Peace Statue
Saturday, May 2
After 4:30 PM Mass
May Crowning is a ritual celebrated in the month of May where the statue of Mary is crowned with a wreath of flowers and honored as the Queen of Heaven and Mother of God.
We are in need of children, especially any first communicants who would be willing to help carry a flower for the May Crowning. Please see an usher before Mass or email familyministry@stjuderc.org if your child would like to participate.
Sponsored by
Saint John XXIII
Council 5987
Knights of Columbus
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All men are invited to join for a discussion-based Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 8am in the Monsignor Sabia Social Hall, as we study the week’s Sunday readings.
For more information, contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com.
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Hopeline Pregnancy Center has a continued need for disposable diapers, etc. They are currently low on sizes Newborn,1, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7,wipes and jars of baby food as well as gently used Baby clothes (boys and girls, up to 18 months), Baby blankets, crib sheets, Onesies, socks, strollers, bottles and pacifiers and baby monitors. They have also requested baby formula such as “Similac 360 Total Care”. Should you wish to help you can leave the diapers, etc. in the outer vestibule of the church. Monetary donations, with checks made out to the Hopeline Pregnancy Center, as well as gift cards from Amazon, Target and grocery stores are most welcome. They may be mailed to: Hopeline Pregnancy Center, PO Box 110658, Trumbull, CT 06611.
Their biggest need right now is girls’ winter clothing 0-3, 3-6, 9-12 and 12-18.
As always, your continued support is greatly appreciated by Hopeline and our Knights of Columbus Council.
Please contact Bob Lux at mjrob08@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
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Please remember in your daily prayers:
David Nicolett, Vincent Daniello, Joe Pinto, Zoey Frigo, Daniel Louis Bianco, Max, Hung Vu , Darryl Patterson, Dr. John Kezel, Francisca Testa & Family, Catherine Belanger, Tom Pleva, James Buturla, Patti F, Anne DeVita, Anna Harper, Frank Kerekes, Antonia Tedeschi, Mary McDonald, Douglas Stanley, Jenn Katz, Susan W, Barbara Tranchese, Mary Lopresti, Lor C, Janet C, Larry Pisani, Becky M, Vincent Pisani, Greg, Kaiti and Cameron Kessler, Mildred Blasko, Michael Merola & Family, Father Krzysztof, Baby Henry Taylor, Garren Kiett, Viola Cleo Bradshaw, Alice Gumpert, Michael, Donna, Chrystal Archuletta, Lucy Hanson, Jesse Hurst & Family, Maryann Lapinski, Andrea Paddock, Nadine Alusik, Margarida Andrade, John, Jimmy Forno, Matthew Van der Wielen, George N., Milenka Gospic, Benjamin Gray, Chris McCarthy, Leo B., Edward Isales, MaryAnn Voytek, Sal Guerrera, Anne Gulia, Raymond Gosselin, Joan Deaky, Nancy Czupkowski, Jean Paul, Virginia LaQuesse, Ed Marencik, Dan Mongillo, Lawrence Cofone, Mary Witkowsky
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Please join us in praying our Monthly Parish Intention..
Our Petitions for May:
HONORING OUR BLESSED MOTHER and in Thanksgiving for our own Mothers
In this month dedicated to honoring Mary,
Our Blessed Mother, we give thanks for her maternal care for each of us. We pray Her intercession for an end to the violence in our Country and for PEACE in our war-torn World.
May we also remember with gratitude all that our own Mothers have done for us...
We pray to the Lord
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Mass Intentions for May 2 – May 10
Sat May 2 9:00am In honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sat May 2 4:30pm Lucinda Dantas
Sun May 3 7:30am Reid P. Iannazzo
Sun May 3 9:30am Gregory D’Silva, Celine D’Silva,
Monica D’Silva and Helen Crasta
Sun May 3 11:30am St Jude Parishioners
George F. Dutches
Loretta Delmastro
Mon May 4 9:00am Elaine Duschang
Tue May 5 9:00am Deceased members of the Rennick family
Wed May 6 9:00am Renee Freer and Stephen Misencik
Thu May 7 9:00 am Jeanne Murtaugh
Fri May 8 9:00am Maria Emilia Monteiro and
Artur Fernandes Monteiro
Sat May 9 4:30pm Laszlo, Piroska and Martha Mencseli
Sun May 10 7:30am St Jude Parishioners
Sun May 10 9:30am Margaret Mende
Sun May 10 11:30am The Andrade and Pinto family
Christine Grinavic
Joseph A. Downs, Jr
Tabernacle Candle: In memory of Renee Freer and Stephen Misencik
Adoration Candles: In memory of Luis and Elvira Ferreira and Jennifer Cannon
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Weekday Masses (Monday thru Friday) will be in the main Church at 9 am and live streamed.
The Weekend Masses inside the Church are Saturday at 4:30 pm and Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. Only the Saturday Mass at 4:30 pm and the Sunday 7:30 am and 9:30 Masses are live streamed and may be viewed at https://www.stjuderc.org/view-masses
There will be a once/month Sunday evening Solemn High Mass on the Fourth Sunday of every month, starting February 22, at 5:30pm. It is scheduled through May.
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Saturday Rosary Sign up.
We have a wonderful way to prepare for Saturday Mass and that is to say the Rosary before Mass starts. We start 30 minutes before Mass so we start at 4:00 every Saturday.
Please join us as we pray. Also, please prayerfully consider joining this ministry.
If you would like to join you can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aa8ad2fa6fccf8-saturday#/
We look forward to you joining us as we pray the Rosary together.
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First Friday
Eucharistic Adoration
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28-30
The time that we spend with Jesus in front of the Blessed Sacrament is the best time we will spend on earth. Please join us on the first Friday of every month from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
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Flame of Love Rosary
Thursday mornings after 9 am Mass
"Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all of humanity"
flameoflove.us
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Wednesdays at 3 pm in the Church
"Jesus we Trust in You"
thedivinemercy.org
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St. Jude Religious Gift Shop
St. Jude Religious Gift Shop is located downstairs in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall. Fr. Joseph's Books and CD's are available in the Gift Shop. Also new items: Communion Gifts and cards, statues, rosaries and more.
Come in and browse. Call Fran Cambra 203-261-2573 or Parish Office 203-261-6404.
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Confession Hours
We are adding an additional Confession time starting February 1, through Easter (at least - if it is popular we will keep it). Monday nights from 8-9pm (the last hour of Adoration).
Confessions will now be on Saturdays from 3:30-4:30pm and on Monday nights from 8-9pm.
Confessions are also by appointment, please call 203-261-6404, to set up an appointment or email the office.
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Parish Office Hours
THE OFFICE HOURS ARE:
MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00 – 3:00
Please call (203-261-6404) or e-mail (ParishOffice@stjuderc.org) before coming to the office. Much can be accomplished through a phone call or email, such as requesting masses/mass cards; sacramental records; registering for Baptism; etc.
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St Jude Parish
707 Monroe Tpke
Monroe, CT 06468
203-261-6404
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