The New Epoch in

the Light of the

Book of the
Revelation
Catechesis of Father Mario
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 The New Planetary Religions
Modern Environmentalism and
Artificial Intelligence

Environmentalism has its origins in the

19th century and has evolved over time.
However, it now includes a more extreme
form known as "Apocalyptic Ecologism,"
 The New Planetary Religions
Modern Environmentalism and
Artificial Intelligence

…which blames humans for the Earth's

temperature rise and threatens life on the planet.
Some influential figures, like Bill Gates, promote
reducing the global population, which has led
to extreme measures.
 The New Planetary Religions
Modern Environmentalism and
Artificial Intelligence
Environmentalism has taken on religious
characteristics, such as imposing food
restrictions like veganism, and those with
different views are treated as heretics. This can
lead to an imbalance in our relationship
with God.
 The New Planetary Religions
Modern Environmentalism and
Artificial Intelligence

Pope Francis and Pope Benedict stressed the

importance of respecting the environment
without falling into apocalyptic thinking.
Confusing the two affects our true connection
with God and allows the devil to influence us.
 The New Planetary Religions
Modern Environmentalism and
Artificial Intelligence

The Limits of Development: From the

Club of Rome 1972

Fifty years ago, a book called "The Limits to

Growth" was published globally, predicting
apocalyptic scenarios, such as overpopulation
and resource depletion by 1993
 The New Planetary Religions
Modern Environmentalism and
Artificial Intelligence

The Limits of Development: From the

Club of Rome 1972

…leading to population control by any

means necessary. Despite these false
predictions, we now see a dramatic push
towards population control.
 The New Planetary Religions
Modern Environmentalism and
Artificial Intelligence
The Limits of Development: From the
Club of Rome 1972

This includes the breakdown of traditional

families, rising divorce rates, and a significant
drop in the number of women of childbearing age in
Western countries. Italy, once known for low birth
rates, is now experiencing a sharp decline in its
population.
Legal in some countries, and it involves encouraging
the elderly, young people with incurable conditions,
or those suffering from depression to seek assisted
suicide to avoid becoming an economic burden on
younger generations.
Abortion is a widespread practice, with
approximately 73 million abortions
occurring annually, eliminating two
children every second.
Gender and Sex Change:
The promotion of gender ideology,
including the idea of changing one's
biological sex, has extended to
nursery schools and adolescents.
This ideology supports invasive
surgical and hormonal treatments.
Gender and Sex Change:

In some countries, parents are

kept in the dark about these
treatments, and if they object,
the state may intervene by
removing children from their
families.
 This represents a form of
"ideological colonization" that
undermines human identity and
uniqueness, influenced by a culture
that appears to prioritize
individuality while, in reality, it
often erases it through
technological advancements.
 DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR
IMPACT ON HUMANITY
Excessive Use of Technology:
People are spending more time with electronic devices than
sleeping, often unlocking their phones over 50 times a day.
About 61% of internet users have become addicted to it,
leading to issues like cyberbullying, online solicitation, and
online grooming of minors. There are also harmful online
communities promoting anorexia and bulimia.
 DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR
IMPACT ON HUMANITY
Excessive Use of Technology:
Many young people are becoming isolated due to
excessive screen time, and child pornography remains a
significant problem. The porn industry is worth over
$100 billion annually, and a high percentage of boys
consume online pornography.
 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AI's Potential:
Thanks to increasing computing power and
access to vast amounts of data, we can create
applications that can "learn" and emulate
human-like thinking (machine learning). AI has
the potential to serve various needs and is
becoming more accessible.
 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Advantages of AI:
1. Medical Diagnosis: AI can assist with complex
health tests and provide faster diagnoses.
2. Vehicle Safety: Intelligent sensors powered by AI
can enhance vehicle safety.
3. Automation: AI-powered robots can be used for
dangerous or labor-intensive tasks.
 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The Dangers of Artificial Intelligence:
1. Overdependence on AI:
As AI becomes more prevalent, people might become overly reliant on it. This
could lead to deficits in reasoning skills, particularly among younger generations,
causing significant social consequences.
2. Rapid Advancements:
Experts predict that AI may think like a human brain within 15 years and surpass it
in 25 years. Current experiments involve brain implants to read thoughts and control
actions, raising ethical concerns.
3. Loss of Control:
The continued evolution of AI might lead to delegating strategic and military tasks
to AI, potentially resulting in a lack of human control and responsibility for crucial
decisions.
 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
4. Idolatry and Ethical Questions:
As AI becomes pervasive, there's a risk of people replacing
religious beliefs with idolatry towards technology. Ethical
questions arise regarding AI's impact on society.

What Should Christians Do:

Pope Francis suggests that faith in science and AI is replacing
faith in Providence. He emphasizes that technological progress
should serve the common good, respect human dignity,
and be oriented towards making the world more human.
 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
A Historical Perspective:
In 1996, Kiko Arguello predicted a society influenced by
non-Christian values. He highlighted the dangers of a
self-creating, relativistic worldview and the decline of
the family. He underscored the importance of
recognizing God as a Father and our identity as children
of God. Christ's resurrection offers hope and the ability to
live for a higher purpose.
Pope Benedict XVI's Analysis
of Modern Perspective

In his Encyclical "Spe Salvi," Pope Benedict XVI examines

the changing perspective of humanity. He questions how
we've come to view the salvation of the soul as a means
to escape responsibility, making Christianity seem like a
selfish search for personal salvation.
Pope Benedict XVI's Analysis
of Modern Perspective

Historical Background:
Pope Benedict begins by discussing the shift from Christianity to
modern times. He mentions philosopher Francis Bacon, who
believed that newfound discoveries, such as those resulting from the
exploration of America, could lead to a new era.
Pope Benedict XVI's Analysis
of Modern Perspective

Bacon saw a connection between science and practical applications

(technology) that could restore humanity's dominion over creation, which was
lost due to original sin. This new vision relied less on faith and more on the
progress enabled by science and technology. This perspective eventually gave
birth to the idea of faith in progress.
Pope Benedict XVI's
Analysis of Modern
Perspective

Faith in Progress:
Bacon's vision paved the way for a faith in progress, primarily rooted
in reason and freedom. Progress was seen as the expansion of
human potential and the quest for perfect freedom. This concept
included political aspects and aimed to redefine salvation as the
transformation of society through political actions, rather than
spiritual liberation.
Pope Benedict XVI's Analysis
of Modern Perspective
For Kant, religion should
transform into rational faith,
discarding traditional religious
practices as "superstitious
illusions."
The French
Revolution and Kant:
The French Revolution
aimed to establish
reason and freedom in a
political context, and
Immanuel Kant
contributed to the idea
of rational faith, moving
away from traditional
religious beliefs.
Pope Benedict XVI's Analysis
of Modern Perspective

Marx and Hegel:

Karl Marx advocated for a revolutionary transformation of society
and the means of production, believing it would bring about a
utopian future. His ideas were influenced by Hegel, who saw history
as the realization of the absolute spirit. Marx envisioned a world
where economic changes would lead to societal harmony.
Pope Benedict XVI's Analysis
of Modern Perspective

Materialism and Forgotten Freedom:

However, Marx's ideas overlooked the complexities of human
nature. He neglected the inherent freedom of individuals and
believed that fixing economic conditions would automatically lead
to a better world. Pope Benedict emphasizes that materialism can't
address the inner needs of the human spirit.
 Christian Hope and Faith

Pope Benedict encourages a dialogue between

modern ideologies and Christian hope. He
emphasizes that faith provides something
substantial, offering a foundation for a new way of
living and freedom. This newfound substance is
evident in the actions of those who gave their lives
for Christ's love, demonstrating the reality of
Christian hope.
 Reflecting on Baptism:

Pope Benedict concludes by reflecting on the

Christian faith and its role in our lives. He revisits
the traditional dialogue during the Baptism
ritual, where parents seek faith for their child,
recognizing it as the key to eternal life. Faith, in
this context, is the essence of hope.
 Reflecting on Baptism:

Pope Benedict XVI's "Spe Salvi" provides deep insights

into the evolution of human perspective, faith, and
hope. It reminds us that throughout history, people
have sought salvation and a better world. From
Bacon's vision of science and technology to Marx's
revolutionary ideas, the quest for progress and
perfection has been a driving force.
 Reflecting on Baptism:

However, Pope Benedict also points out that

materialism and the disregard for human freedom
can't lead us to true salvation. He emphasizes that
Christian hope is a powerful force that transforms
lives. It offers something substantial, a new
foundation for living, and it is evident in the
selfless actions of those who live for Christ.
 Reflecting on Baptism:

In our rapidly changing world, Pope Benedict's

reflection invites us to examine the values we hold and
the sources of hope we rely on. It encourages us to
look beyond mere material progress and to seek a
deeper, more profound faith that can guide our
actions and sustain us in a complex and ever-evolving
world. In this, we find the enduring power of
Christian hope to illuminate our path and enrich
our lives.
 The book of Revelation of Jesus Christ, the
Apocalypse, as a Response to Current Times

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse,

is a response to the current times. It provides hope and
reveals the hidden reality of the Church on earth. The
author, John, uses symbolic language to convey a reality
that is beyond human comprehension, reflecting the
Transcendence of God.
 The book of Revelation of Jesus Christ, the
Apocalypse, as a Response to Current Times

John wrote this book to encourage and give

hope to the Church during difficult and dark
times of persecution. It is not a catastrophe
but a message of hope, interpreting current
events in the light of divine guidance. The
book is filled with symbols and references to
the Old Testament and liturgical traditions.
 The book of Revelation of Jesus Christ, the
Apocalypse, as a Response to Current Times

The book was written to seven churches in

Asia Minor, and it starts with a vision of the
resurrected Jesus among seven golden
lampstands, representing these churches.
Jesus addresses the specific issues each
church faces, some of them being morally
corrupt or compromising with the world.
The book of Revelation of Jesus Christ, the Apocalypse, as a
Response to Current Times

The Book was written during a time of Christian

persecution under emperors like Nero and Domitian.
Jesus encourages Christians to remain faithful and
promises them great rewards, ultimately connecting
their faithfulness to the final vision of the Church
inheriting a new world.
 The book of Revelation of Jesus Christ, the
Apocalypse, as a Response to Current Times

The book also describes a vision of God's heavenly

Throne, surrounded by elders and living beings,
symbolizing the sovereignty of God and the
Church. A scroll sealed with seven seals
symbolizes history, and only the Lamb of God,
Jesus, can open it.
 The book of Revelation of Jesus Christ, the
Apocalypse, as a Response to Current Times

The Lamb, with full authority and discernment, opens the

scroll, signifying the inauguration of God's Kingdom
through the Crucified Messiah, Jesus. His death on the
Cross was a victory, not a defeat, and he is now
worshipped alongside God on the Throne.
 The book of Revelation of Jesus Christ, the
Apocalypse, as a Response to Current Times

The Lamb's ability to open the scroll symbolizes

his divine authority and his role in guiding
history towards its fulfillment.
The woman, the
dragon and the beasts

The seventh trumpet doesn't bring a catastrophe,

but a celebration in heaven. It hints at the vision of
a luminous woman in chapter 12, who represents
the Virgin Mary and the Church. She gives birth to
Jesus, symbolized as a child destined to rule all
nations
The woman, the
dragon and the beasts

A red dragon symbolizes the devil, who wants

to claim a place in heaven not meant for him.
Jesus ascends to God, and the woman takes
refuge in the desert, reminiscent of God's
preparation of His people to enter the
Promised Land.
Satan continues to wage war against the woman, symbolizing the
battle for life and the Church. The heavenly battle between
Michael and his angels against the dragon ends with the devil's
defeat. This is good news for Christians, as the
victory has already been secured in heaven.
 Their unwavering faith in Jesus guarantees final
victory. However, while on earth, Christians will
face persecution from the devil, depicted as a
serpent trying to destroy them.
 The serpent's attempts are compared to
floodwaters, but God's strength prevails.
Just as death is conquered in Christ, the
floodwaters are swallowed by the earth.
 The Beast
Chapter 13 introduces a new character, the beast,
representing evil in the world. It has ten horns and
seven heads, symbolizing great but imperfect power. It
alludes to the Roman Empire's animal-like strength. The
second beast serves the first and promotes idolatry.
 The Beast
The number 666 signifies imperfection in evil rulers.
Chapter 14 presents the Lamb, symbolizing Jesus,
accompanied by 144,000 faithful, representing both
Old and New Testament believers. A heavenly liturgy,
God's judgment, and the harvest of nations follow.
Babylon, the Great
Prostitute:
In Chapter 17, Babylon is called "the great
prostitute," representing corruption and
injustice in the world. The "great waters" refer
to lucrative but unethical trade, causing social
injustices. The great prostitute sheds the
blood of the righteous, and her fate is dire.
She rises from the abyss, symbolizing evil's
revival in different forms.
 THE FALL OF
BABYLON
Chapter 18 announces Babylon's fall, which is
compared to Sodom and Gomorrah's fall.
Those who associated with Babylon lament its
end, as their sources of income cease.
 The destruction of Babylon leads to a liturgy of
praise and celebration by the faithful and just.
Evil is defeated, and the Lamb's wedding with
redeemed humanity is near. The Word of God
appears with an army, symbolizing the final battle
against evil. The defeated enemy is captured.

The Heavenly
 New Heaven and Earth

The last two chapters focus on a vision of a new heaven, a

new earth, and the future Jerusalem as a place for the
redeemed. There will be no more suffering or death, and
every Christian will have eternal life with God.
 The city is adorned with precious
New stones, reminiscent of the high
Heaven priest's breastplate. There is no
temple because God and the
and Earth Lamb are the temple. The river of
living water and the tree of life
recall the Garden of Eden.
 1. Hope in Times of Persecution: The book
Core Messages of Revelation provides hope and
encouragement to the Church during times
of persecution and darkness. It reassures
believers that God's ultimate victory is
certain.
Core Messages:
2. Symbolism and Prophecy: Revelation uses rich
symbolism and prophecy to convey deep spiritual truths.
It connects the Old and New Testaments and offers a
prophetic reading of history.
Core Messages:
3. Spiritual Battle: The book depicts an ongoing
spiritual battle between the forces of evil,
represented by the beast, and the faithful, symbolized
by the Lamb and the woman.
Core Messages:
4. Divine Judgment: Revelation emphasizes that
God's justice will prevail, and all actions will be
judged. Those who remain faithful will be rewarded,
while evil will ultimately be defeated.
Core Messages:
5. New Creation: The vision of a new heaven, a new
earth, and the Heavenly Jerusalem symbolizes the
ultimate fulfillment of God's plan, where suffering
and death will no longer exist.
 Revelation's core messages remind us that, even in the midst of
trials and tribulations, we can find hope in our faith. The rich
symbolism and prophecy encourage us to see the bigger picture of
God's plan throughout history and in our lives. It also reminds us
that we are in a spiritual battle, and we must remain faithful to
God's truth.
The idea of Divine Judgment serves as a sobering
reminder that our actions have consequences.
While it offers hope for the faithful, it also
challenges us to live in a way that aligns with
God's will.
Ultimately, the vision of a new creation provides a
glimpse of the eternal joy and peace awaiting
those who remain faithful to God. Revelation
encourages us to persevere in our faith, knowing
that the ultimate victory belongs to God, and
He will make all things new.
 The Power of God is
expressed through
humility and meekness.
The Kingdom of God is
both incredibly powerful
and gentle. The King of
kings is portrayed as a
Servant, and the
Glorious One becomes
the Crucified One.
The central figure is the
Lamb, symbolizing the
convergence of all
history and the key to
salvation. The
Apocalypse is seen as a
prophetic
interpretation of
history through the
lens of the life of Jesus.
 For those in the
Neocatechumenal
Way, the focus is on
continually immersing
themselves in the
blood of Christ,
symbolizing their
commitment to living
as new and heavenly
beings in Christ.
 This involves daily
renewal of their
baptism and living
out their faith
through a holy life,
which includes
engaging with the
sacraments and the
teachings of the
Church.
 The text emphasizes that this journey is not solitary
but involves a community of believers. The Church
faces challenges, including persecution and a crisis of
faith, much like what is described in the Book of
Revelation.
 However, Christians are called to be
witnesses to their faith and continue to
maintain their relationship with Christ
through the sacraments and daily life.
 The passage concludes with a reflection on the
heavenly Jerusalem, symbolizing the Church as the
bride of Christ. It envisions a glorious and perfect city
where God dwells with His people.
 The text also suggests that, despite the challenges the
Church may face, people will be drawn back to faith and
community, ultimately finding fulfillment in Christ.
A message of the Virgin Mary to
Kiko and its impact on the
development of the
Neocatechumenal Way:
We find inspiration and guidance
for our own faith journey. The Virgin
Mary's appearance to Kiko on that
significant day in 1959 marked the
beginning of a mandate to create
Christian communities, just as the
Holy Family of Nazareth lived in
humility, simplicity, and praise.
The message, "The other is
Christ," initially left Kiko
perplexed, but with time and
the guidance of the Lord, the
Neocatechumenal Way was
born, bringing a profound
message of conversion and
faith to a secularized world.
This path of conversion has
thrived for over five decades,
forming communities that shine
as a light of attraction and
reference for those seeking faith
in our modern and post-modern
times. The Neocatechumenal
Way's practices, including the
weekly Word and Eucharist
celebrations, are central to our
faithfulness and growth.
 The recognition and
support of Pope John
Paul II remind us of the
crucial role this
movement plays in the
new evangelization in
our deeply secularized
world.
 As we ponder these
passages, we're called to
action and responsibility.
We must continue to pass
on the Way to future
generations, ensuring its
teachings and practices
are faithfully followed.
It's a Responsibility we
all share, showed and
manifested in the process of
Scrutiny and
Obedience to the
Way's principles. These are
key aspects of our journey.
 Moreover, the message
emphasizes the importance of
parents taking an active role
in the spiritual upbringing of
their children. Let us engage in
open, heartfelt conversations
with our young ones, guiding
them in matters of faith, and
protecting them from
distractions like mobile
phones and tablets.
 This Guidance is
Essential to ensure
they Walk on the
path of Faith and
Conversion.
Lastly, the message urges us
to avoid passing judgment
on one another. Instead, we
should offer support, help,
and encouragement in our
faith journeys. Just as the
Lamb's sacrifice washes our
garments in every Eucharist
and sacrament of Penance
Let us Embrace
this Gift of
Renewal and
Purification
together as a
Community.
 In conclusion, the Virgin Mary's
message to Kiko and the journey
of the Neocatechumenal Way
teach us that our Faith can
Thrive even in the face of
Secularization and
Challenges.
 Let us Embrace the
Mandate, continue in
Faithfulness, Support
One Another, and
Nurture the Faith of the
next generation as we walk
this path of Conversion
and Renewal together.