In our Sunday readings for December 2, 2007 we read from the Gospel of Matthew. Being the 1st Sunday of Advent, we hear about preparation for the coming of the son of man. In the Gospel passage, we come across a verse cited by many of our Christian brothers and sisters as evidence for the Rapture. The Rapture is not a Catholic idea of the second coming of Christ. Presented here are several articles to inform you about this idea and what the Catholic faith teaches about it.

Readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent

December 2, 2007 (Year A)

http://www.usccb.org/nab/120207.shtml

The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops maintains an informative and helpful website. The daily readings as well as many other items are posted on this website. The verse in question regarding “the rapture” is verse 40 & 41 of the 24th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel (Mt 24: 40-41). It reads:

Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left.”

Raptured or Not?

A Catholic Understanding
By Michael D. Guinan, OFM, Ph.D.
Catholic Update

http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac1005.asp

AmericanCatholic.org is the home of the online editions of St. Anthony Messenger, Catholic Update, Millennium Monthly, Youth Update, Scripture From Scratch and other Catholic features, is a service of St. Anthony Messenger Press and Franciscan Communications, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A.

Michael D. Guinan, O.F.M., Ph.D., is a professor of Old Testament, Semitic languages and biblical spirituality at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, California.

What the Bible says about...The Rapture

From the Little Scripture Study

http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/wtbsa_rapture.html

Little Rock Scripture Study develops and distributes Bible study materials for adult Catholics in parishes and small faith communities who want to continue on their journey of faith. This ministry was created in the Diocese of Little Rock in Arkansas and continues as a ministry of the diocese, in partnership with Liturgical Press in Minnesota.

The Rapture

Catholic Answers

http://www.catholic.com/library/Rapture.asp

Catholic Answers is one of the nation’s largest lay-run apostolates of Catholic apologetics and evangelization. Its mission statement explains its purpose: Catholic Answers is an apostolate dedicated to serving Christ by bringing the fullness of Catholic truth to the world. We help good Catholics become better Catholics, bring former Catholics “home,” and lead non-Catholics into the fullness of the faith. We explain Catholic truth, equip the faithful to live fully the sacramental life, and assist them in spreading the Good News.