We are facing "a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time" (Dn 12:1). To escape this unprecedented distress, we must be found written in the book (Dn 12:1) — the book of the living (see Rv 3:5). Therefore, to get our names in the book, we must be living — not just naturally but supernaturally. We must have new life in Christ, be begotten of water and the Spirit (Jn 3:5), be baptized into Jesus.

However, this does not assure us of escaping the wrath to come (see 1 Thes 5:9), for it is possible for our name to be erased from the book of the living (Rv 3:5; Ex 32:32-33; Ps 69:29).

We keep our names in the book not only by being baptized but also by living our Baptisms. We live our Baptisms by keeping our baptismal promises. Many times a day, we must decide to reject Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises. We are called to believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. In living our Baptisms, we must immerse ourselves into a life of faith in the Trinity (Gal 2:20).

Under these circumstances, our names will never be erased from the book of the living. Thus, we will escape the distress of the world's end and enter heaven to see the Lord face to face.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 22, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 26, 1997