# Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption and reflections on the end times
*2020-08-06*

> Bill Young discusses the signs of the end times based on a series by Father Chris from the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, before leading a day of the Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption.

## Understanding the End Times

I have been following Father Chris from the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, who has a three-part series called 'Explaining the Faith: The Catholic View of the End of Times.' He outlines five points to help determine if we are in the end times. He discusses the 'unveiling' and the seven years of tribulation, which will be followed by a thousand-year reign with Jesus. That will be a wonderful time of love and holiness, with no dying, sickness, or violence.

Regarding the tribulation, the Catholic Church believes in the Antichrist, who will not appear until the halfway point of those seven years. Father Chris mentions that to survive this period, it is important to be confirmed. I noticed that Joe Biden, while baptized Catholic, was never confirmed. I believe all Catholics should be as informed as possible about these spiritual necessities.

## The Nature of the Antichrist and the Family

The Antichrist is not a make-believe person; the Bible tells us he will definitely exist. If we profile what the Antichrist would stand for, we can look at the struggle between Jesus and Satan, which Sister Lucia of Fatima suggested would be centered on the family. A major part of this struggle is the killing of unborn babies through abortion. I've heard that millions of black lives have been lost to abortion, which is a tragedy. When you consider the potential doctors, scientists, and good people lost, it is heartbreaking.

Science now proves that the unborn are human beings. I remember reading stories to my son while he was in my wife's womb, and when he was born, he stopped crying the moment he heard my voice because he recognized it. This is the reality of the life we are talking about.

## Faith and Political Discernment

While I am not saying Joe Biden is the Antichrist—I don't think the devil would want someone who isn't sharper—I worry about the direction of the radical left. We see the closing of churches, the restriction of Communion, and the inability to have proper funerals or last rites due to coronavirus restrictions. Catholics should ask themselves if they are comfortable with the closing of their schools and churches.

I believe we must not be fooled by rhetoric. We see a 'new Eve effect' where people are tempted away from God. We are all sinners, and I hope Joe Biden finds the grace to go to confession and confirmation. Regardless of politics, we must rely on the Holy Spirit and the mercy of God.

## Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption

Let us now pray the Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption. 

Lord Jesus Christ, you have destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life in body and soul. You granted your mother a special place in your glory, and you did not allow the grave to touch her body. As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary, give us renewed confidence in the victory over death. You live and reign forever and ever.

Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Jesus, we believe in your triumphant assumption to heaven, where the angels and saints acclaim you as Queen of heaven and earth. We join them in praising you and blessing the Lord, who raised you up. We are confident that you watch over our daily lives, and we ask you to intercede for us. [Prayer for son Greg, wife, and mother-in-law]. We are confident by our faith in the coming resurrection that we look to you for prayers and comfort. After this earthly life, show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb. O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, O Queen assumed in heaven, pray for us. Amen.

## Looking Forward in Hope

As I mentioned, the conversion of the Jews is one of the signs of the end times. We look forward to that thousand-year reign of splendor where our crosses will be gone. The journey there may be bumpy—like turbulence on an airplane ride—but we will reach our destiny if we have faith in God.

I am also looking into starting a live Zoom prayer group for the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m., perhaps starting on Fridays. There is great power when we pray together, as Jesus is with us when two or more are gathered.

*Though the end times may bring tribulation, we can find peace and victory through the intercession of Mary and the infinite mercy of Divine Mercy.*