Anti-Christ Culture

In my mind today, I am thinking about how blessed I am. To be able to have a purpose for God and the ability to share the messages of Him is my purpose until I get to the Spiritual season. Because of amazing children and Hospice care, the future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades! Seriously nothing could be better than serving my Creator. We all serve something whether you realize it or not. Remember that song by Bob Dylan that states, “It may be the devil, it may be the Lord, but you’re going to serve somebody.” This is so true.
Today students, I want to talk about a topic that has made the hair on head stand up during my life, the Anti-Christ. Most of you have heard about this topic in the book of Revelation in the Bible. What does the prefix anti mean? That’s right front row students ; it means opposed or against. In this case it means Against Christ. Who do you say Christ is and why is this a big deal? I heard you back row. I know that many people in our modern society see no reason in religion and having Christ like beliefs especially since he died two thousand years ago. We have everything at our fingertips: food, entertainment, information, social media friends, sex content, education, etc. Who needs a God and Christian morals? Oh, my beloved students, if you remember anything that I have taught, remember that we need Christ and Christ-like beliefs more than ever. I know that many of you will think Ms. Alley has finally fallen out of her scoot into De lu lu land.
What are these actions and beliefs that the world so desperately needs? Colossians 3:12-15 12 Characteristics of Life in Common. As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another, and forgive one another if anyone has reason to be offended with another. You must forgive just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 Over all these put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it was for this that you were called together in one body. Always be thankful. What if we all put Christ on every morning like a Superhero suit and used these attributes? How the world would change would be amazing.
Let’s look at the Anti-Christ culture. First and foremost you have to think only of yourself and what you want. You can do whatever you want. Someone getting on your nerves? No rules right? As the gangsters say, “Take them out.” It is all about YOU. Think about your life. Has anyone ever sacrificed for your well being? Sure they did or you would not be alive. Anti-Christ culture practices the opposite of these: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, forgiveness, humility, fairness, courage, friendship, honesty, generosity, purity, wisdom, compassion, enthusiasm, initiative, diligence, and obedience. I know how hard it is to practice these but image if the opposite was the social norm: hate, sadness, war, hastiness, no self control, selfishness, evil, deceitful, greedy, coward, impurity, avarice, ignorance, pride, dishonesty, apathy, disobedience, and callousness. Now look at our current culture. It is definitely an Anti-Christ culture. We are disconnected from each other and the earth: nature or creation. Our children are unhealthy. People are more unhappy. Suicide and addictions are increasing. Why? What is causing this? Yes, there will be an essay exam. Use inferences.
Remember the Bob Dylan song? Who are we serving? What or who are our idols? We are not worshipping the one true God of Creation. Right now, I believe that there are several: technology, wealth, beauty, science, medicine, athletes, celebrities, ourselves, drugs, and sex. We have become distracted by the Devil. We have become separated from community, creation, and God. This is not the first time in history. The Bible has it recorded. God is real, students. I am asking you to turn away from the evil distractions and back to God. Put on your Christ Superhero Cape and do the work He puts in front of you. Unpack your Christ attributes and get to work. Whatever your vocation use these (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, forgiveness, humility, fairness, courage, friendship, honesty, generosity, purity, wisdom, compassion, enthusiasm, initiative, diligence, and obedience) and make the world a better place. It is not about you. Extra credit: Find a church and go!
Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the Fight the Anti-Christ Gal

Quotes of the Day: (Taken from my daily devotion Give Us This Day)
“What does it mean to be a lamplighter for Christ? It means bringing light where there is hurt, fear, and division. It means offering kindness where there is cruelty, harshness, and bitterness. Being the first to forgive, even when it is hard, is one of the most profound ways we can be Christ’s light. Forgiveness breaks the cycle of darkness and lets the light of healing and reconciliation shine.
In a world longing for peace and compassion, we are called to be the light that leads others to Christ. Through small acts of love, we ignite hope in the hearts of those we encounter. Let us follow in John’s footsteps and bring Christ’s light to all nations.”
Fr. Brendan McGuire
Brendan McGuire is pastor of St. Simon Parish, Los Altos, California, and author of a book of Sunday homilies, Weaving the Divine Thread.
“Jesus’ teaching on discernment in the Gospel of Matthew is so simple and clear. It reminds us of the discernment of spirits by St. Ignatius of Loyola which embodies a timeless wisdom that can be applied to everyday life. St. Ignatius says that the Spirit of God bears good fruit—love, unity, closeness to God, clarity. Whereas the false spirit (as Fr. Dan Hartnett, SJ, calls it) bears rotten fruit—hate, division, isolation, confusion. It’s a “muscle” that needs to be practiced every day, in the biggest and smallest moments of our lives.”
Joanna Arellano-Gonzalez

Joanna Arellano-Gonzalez is a cofounder and the director of spiritual & theological formation with the Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership, a spiritually rooted community organizing coalition in the Chicagoland area. Visit their work at csplaction.org.