As we near the end of the world, "there will be great earthquakes, plagues, and famines in various places — and in the sky fearful omens and great signs. But before any of this, they will manhandle and persecute you" (Lk 21:11-12). "You will be delivered up even by your parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. All will hate you because of" Jesus (Lk 21:16-17). "Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire" (Mal 3:19).

How will we save our lives on this last day? We will be saved:

• "by patient endurance" (Lk 21:19),
• by humility and repentance from pride (Mal 3:19),
• by doing God's will and not evil (Mal 3:19), and
• by fearing God's name (Mal 3:20).

How will we have the power to be patient, persevering, humble, repentant, God-serving, and God-fearing? The power comes not by our might, nor by our power, but by the Spirit (Zec 4:6). Jesus has given us another Paraclete (Jn 14:16), the Holy Spirit, Who will guide us (Jn 16:13) through life, death, and even the end of the world.

1998 is the year of the Holy Spirit in which we prepare for the year 2000, the Great Jubilee. Ask that the Holy Spirit be stirred into flame in your heart (2 Tm 1:6-7). Come, Holy Spirit!

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The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, April 4, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 8, 1998