"For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains it will do so until He is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming" (2 Thess 2:7-8). Amen, and hallelujah!

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. This week's LOVE the Word™ exercise is based on a Augustinian* personality approach. Go on! Try it!

Listen (Receive the Word)

"But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word" (2 Thess 2:13-17).

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

Because this is scripture, the Holy Spirit is saying it directly to you, personally. Which part of this passage strikes you most? To which sentence, phrase, or word is your attention drawn?

What is the Lord saying to you through that? Sit with Him a moment and let your mind wander freely as you think on this word, phrase, or sentence.

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Talk to Him about what you believe He is saying to you about this scripture. What are you thinking and feeling as you re-read St. Paul's words, above? What do you want to say to Him about that?

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

"Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." (The Jesus Prayer)
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*LOVE the Word™ exercises vary weekly according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.
Eschatological Qualification
Catholic eschatology is what's called "speculative theology." This designation means little has been defined by the Magisterium concerning the end times, so the subject is open for speculation and development by Catholics seeking truth via Sacred Tradition (history) and Sacred Scripture. I attempt throughout the series to make clear what is public revelation and therefore part of the Deposit of Faith, and what is private revelation and not a matter of adherence. I do not present unapproved private revelation in this series.
Scripture References for the Show
2 Peter 1:20, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation."

1 Thessalonians 3:15, "That you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."
Episode Resources
"In things of faith and morals, the true sense of Holy Scripture is held by the Church, whose place it is to judge the interpretation of the Scriptures (1 Tim 3:15); and it is permitted to no one to interpret Holy Scripture against such sense or against the unanimous agreement of the Fathers'( 34). What can be a greater sign of pride than to refuse to study the Books of the divine mysteries by the help of those who have interpreted them?
"But it is most unbecoming to pass by, in ignorance or contempt, the excellent work which Catholics have left in abundance,