Victory Now!

Word Among Us, Nov 2004 by Mindling, Fr Joseph

8 The Epilogue: The Renewed Call for Readiness-Revelation 22:6-21.

The saga concludes by returning to John and his angelic guide. He cautions us to heed the words of the book and to be prepared for Jesus' imminent return in glory-the central event that has been figuratively described throughout the pages of this book.

How to Read-And How Not to Read-Revelation. Since lectionary selections are only excerpts, one way to get more out of what is proclaimed in the liturgy is to take a regular look ahead of time at the pages in the Bible from which they are lifted. Readings from Revelation will inevitably bring us into contact with that kaleidoscope of word-pictures that make up much of its distinctive style: vibrant colors, theologically significant numbers, the use of animals as agents of good and evil, and imagery taken from the astronomy of the day. We are blessed to have access to translations that provide brief explanations for most of these symbols right in our Bibles. Steadily learning more about them not only enhances our understanding; it also helps us hear God speak to us more personally and directly when we hear them proclaimed at Mass.

If we keep in mind the poetic nature of the Book of Revelation, we will be careful not to think of it as a set of specific predictions or a manual of technological instructions. A text like this is not meant to serve as an exact-scale map of heaven or to supply secret information to a favored few who are good at deciphering hidden religious codes. In fact, Jesus tells us that no mortal person-and not even the angels-can know the specific time of the end of the world (Mark 13:32; Matthew 24:36; Luke 12:40). The Book of Revelation was never intended to be a biblical crystal ball. Instead, when approached with respect for centuries of scriptural tradition, inspired apocalyptic literature can affect us in many more beneficial ways.

Come, Lord Jesus! From a largescale perspective, the Book of Revelation was clearly written to raise our awareness of the way sin displeases God. Its sometimes awesome descriptions of both crime and punishment harness our imaginations and reinforce our disdain for the ugliness of moral evil. Revelation also uses literary drama to assure us that God really is aware of the unmerited suffering that comes from human evildoing. He sees all the suffering and trials of his people, and he promises to right all wrongs when he comes again to usher in his final victory.

On a more personal level, Revelation can help us to see our lives in a new light. By depicting God's loyal followers as those who have survived a "great ordeal" and have come through it by relying on his power and protection, it shows us that we too can stand firm with hope and confidence. Truths like this have the power to strengthen and encourage that inner part of us where our hopes, fears, dreams, and ability to trust are rooted.

What's more, the songs that these followers of the Lamb sing can touch us deeply. They show us that we can enter into the spirit of this book by making these prayers our own, as we join with the saints in their endless hymns of praise and adoration. The simple prayers that appear throughout the Book of Revelation are prayers that we can offer to the Lord at any point in our day. And as we do, we too will find our hearts lifted up.