Fr. Timothy Smith Bulletin Article 11.10.2024
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In the last few years, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis recommended to members of the Church to read a science fiction book called "Lord of the World". The novel was written in 1907 by a priest named Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson who lived in England. The book is a futuristic novel that describes the rise to power of a globalist Anti-Christ and a worldwide conspiracy of evil to dominate the world. Monsignor Benson drew upon history, other works of science fiction, and current events to create a fictional universe in the novel. He also drew upon his knowledge of Catholic theology and the Final Judgment of Christ to give a fictional account of the end of times. The world depicted by Monsignor Benson is very similar to our own world today. The book describes rapid travel and communication systems, weapons of mass destruction, and a materialistic outlook that denies the supernatural and seeks elevate humanity to the highest position. In a way, "Lord of the World" is more relevant now than it was when Monsignor Benson wrote it in the early twentieth century. I recommend the book since it helped raise my awareness of the ways in which humans have attempted and continue to claim the authority that properly belongs to God alone. All of us are called by the Church and Sacred Scripture to be prepared for the Second Coming of Christ.
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, our Scripture readings in the coming weeks will prepare us for the moment in time when the Lord Jesus will return to Judge the Living and the Dead. We proclaim that Jesus Christ is the greatest authority in our lives and in the world. All things are subject to the glory and majesty of our savior and we want to reclaim the Lord’s Divine Authority in our lives. As we look back on the year – how has God become a greater authority in your life? If we regularly examine our consciences, we will be ready when the Son of Man comes in his glory to lead the righteous to the Kingdom of Heaven.