The Apocalypse - Letter by Letter: The Tail of the Dragon
The Apocalypse - Letter by Letter
Blog to discuss the book "The Apocalypse - Letter by Letter: A Literary Analysis of the Book of Revelation" and current events that point to the events described therein.
In the Book of Revelation, Chapter 12, there is a description of a war in heaven where a dragon sweeps a way a third of the stars with it's tail. The starts are in the crown of 12 stars of the woman clothed with the sun.
In Apocalypse - Letter by Letter, the author explains that the woman is the Church and the twelve stars upon her head represent the authority, specifically apostolic authority she wields. It is the College of Cardinals. The Dragon is Satan and his tail is the False Prophet. So the scene depicts the False Prophet leading into apostasy 1/3 of the College of Cardinals. Not enough to impede a papal election of God's chosen successor to Peter.
Now I ask you this...can you imagine Cardinals being led astray by a False leader? In fact by other characteristics describing him, it is likely he will be one of them or at least a Bishop.
Let's look at the recent news and see if anything is stirring.
1. Bishops In Connecticut, USA allow dispensing of abortion pill in Catholic Hospitals against pontifical academic advice and Catholic morals. Another Bishop commenting on the story stated flatly that he would never compromise Catholic faith to comply with civil laws and would sell the hospital properties or shut them down first.
2. Cardinal of St. Louis says that in accordance with canon laws and statements by Pope Benedict XVI he would not offer Communion to persistent and obstinate sinners as with Catholic politicians. Former Cardinal of Washington DC says he would never do such a thing and that counseling is the way to go.
3. Member of clergy at Vatican is caught meeting with homosexuals in liaisons for TV show. Is immediately expelled. 4. Bishop in Africa openly gets married and preaches against Church discipline of celibacy.
5. Catholic Colleges, ostensibly under the control of the local Bishop, openly recruit anti-Catholic speakers, pornographic plays and abortion services. One college even is hosting a family planning conference in Worcester, MA against the direct orders from the local Bishop.
There are many more examples that show that dissent is very open and causing tremendous stress in the hierarchy. Jesus said "let the weeds grow with the wheat lest you damage the god roots" but he didn't say let the weeds overtake the wheat. He also said he would send his angels at the end of times to gather the weeds and throw them into the fire.
In the meantime, does it seem plausible that one of these dissidents could so galvanize so many as to split off or "be cast out" of the Catholic Church? The time may well be coming soon if these guidepost events are being read correctly. Always keep your eyes on the papacy.
