Planning for the end-times requires wisdom.

The end of the world has always been a great moneymaker, at least in the hands of fiery preachers, novelists, and screenwriters. The event itself will probably be considerably less lucrative, because even the well-to-do will not be able to buy their way out of what lies in store for all of us.

“God’s kingdom is like 10 young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.

Of all Mary’s many, many titles, I have some favorites. Mystical Rose and Star of the Sea are up there. But the one I like best is Untier of Knots.

At an adventure camp for teens, the campers were divided into teams to test their camping skills. When the earnest instructor tried to demonstrate safety practices, one group of guys mimicked him and spent their time laughing and joking.

Through the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus, our sins are forgiven. We turn now to God for that forgiveness.

When Mary holds you up, you do not fall; when she protects you, you need not fear; when she leads you, you do not tire; when she is favorable to you, you arrive at the harbor of safety.