Two thousand years ago, St. Paul (born c. AD 5) had warned that “perilous times will come” when “evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:1, 13)
But St. Paul did not leave us without instructions as to how we are to conduct ourselves in these evil days.
Ephesians 5:15-20
Brothers and sisters:
Watch carefully how you live,
not as foolish persons but as wise,
making the most of the opportunity,
because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not continue in ignorance,
but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.
And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery,
but be filled with the Spirit,
addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts,
giving thanks always and for everything
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Ephesians 4:30-32
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
with which you were sealed for the day of redemption.
All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling
must be removed from you, along with all malice.
And be kind to one another, compassionate,
forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.
St. Paul’s last instruction to us is to never give up, but to fight a good fight, finish the course, and to keep the faith — to the end. (2 Timothy 4:7)
May the courage of St. Paul, and the peace and love of Jesus Christ our Lord be with you!
~Eowyn