Blog note: Jesus indicated that one (of many) signs of the end times or the end of the age grace would be that love for one another would grow cold. Matthew 24:12, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” This can also be interpreted that lawlessness will abound. This includes violence, murder, terrorism, shootings, knife attacks, car/van attacks, chemical attacks and other similar acts of destructive and evil behavior. Yes, these things have occurred in time past. But consider the frequency, intensity and devastation of these types of attacks and mass school shootings. They are like birth pangs in frequency and intensity. This is just one part of the CONVERGENCE or CONVERGING of signs. End of note.

Gunman opens fire in Brazil cathedral, kills at least 4

Associated Press. December 11, 2018

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A man opened fire in a cathedral in southern Brazil after Mass on Tuesday, killing four and leaving four others injured before turning a gun on himself, authorities said.

The incident happened at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Campinas, a city about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of from Sao Paulo. Wilson Cassante, a spokesman for the Campinas archdiocese, told The Associated Press that the shooting happened right after Mass was celebrated. He said the officiating priest had left before the shooting began.

A spokesman for Sao Paulo state firefighters told the AP that four injured had been taken to local hospitals. Their conditions were not immediately known. Cassante said church officials did not recognize the shooter or have any ideas about his motive.

“It’s so sad,” said Cassante. “It’s hard to imagine the pain this has caused.”

Globo News reported that the man entered went to the front of the church and began shooting from two handguns. The motive was isn’t clear. Authorities have yet to release the name or age of the suspect.

While Brazil leads the world in total annual homicides, mass shootings are relatively rare.