REVELATION Revealed!!

I’m seriously studying the last book of the Bible. Not so much because I want to know how the world will end. “But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Matthew 24:36 Jesus spoke these words. I trust Jesus. Yet here I am studying interpretations of the Book of Revelation also called The Apocalypse of St. John. Why am I doing this? What has motivated me to research Revelation at this time?

I’ve discovered over the past several years that so many people are fascinated with The Book of Revelation. It’s a curious book filled with imagery and symbolism. When reading Revelation imaginations run wild. To begin with the name of the book “Revelation” is intriguing. If one can just find the key all the answers regarding end time will be revealed. This huge curiosity, these masses of people searching for answers is an opportunity for the unscrupulous to swoop in to take their money and in return give them the answers they’re looking for. The more sensational the answers the more the books sell.

The literary market is flooded with books on end times based on interpretation of Revelation, mostly false interpretation. Is our inner search for God causing this desperate need to know? Are we sincerely looking to see what we must do to get our lives in line with God’s plan for us?

In the past when I read Revelation, I was certain there must be hidden meaning to all this weird mumbo jumbo but it was beyond me. I was only slightly curious but in Jesus, God has revealed to me everything I need to know. In plain language, Jesus tells me exactly what I need to do to spend eternity with him. He tells me to be prepared! To keep my lamp lit! I’m to be prepared by staying in the state of grace and to keep the light inside of me glowing. The light is Jesus himself!

So why am I so concerned that others are preoccupied with discovering hidden meaning in Revelation, in cracking the code? Since I’ve become more involved in different Church activities and groups, I’ve observed that discussion of the Book of Revelation comes up regularly. Usually someone happened upon ‘a great book’ filled with warnings and promises of an apocalyptic nature, of events that are to happen soon culminating in the return of Our Lord and Judgment Day. This sharing of information with others is presented as concern for others, a “we’re in this together” kind of concern. I’ve seen this happen over and over. Sometimes one might come to a group such as prayer group not because they intend to start coming weekly but rather they’ve come this one time to bring important information to the group. Sometimes the information generates much discussion centered on all the evil in the world, a sign that THE END IS NEAR! 2nd Timothy 3:1-5 “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

I mostly keep quie,t but I always asked to see the book the person brought or to look at the papers from which they’re reading. It doesn’t take me long to discover what I already knew. None of it is approved by the Catholic Church. But I don’t mention this. Why don’t I tell them? It’s hard to be critical, though I do remind the others of Matthew 24:36. Some agree with me but others still want to know and remind me that God gave us the Book of Revelation so we have a right to know what it means.

I’m no longer indifferent. God did give us the Book of Revelation. I’m curious as well. Why did God include this book as the last book of the Bible? What does God want us to know? In my early stages of research I’ve learned that for a better understanding of Revelation it’s important to also read the Prophets Daniel, Ezekiel and Zechariah. The book of Revelation does not stand alone. It is crossed referenced over and over with books from the Old and New Testament. I’ve come to the conclusion that this short book is a reexaming of biblical occurrences leading towards salvation history, a summary of all that has come and is to come and a reminder of our responsibility for our own destiny. All of which is recorded grandly in the other 72 Books of the Bible. And yes the book of Revelation is prophetic but in a general way similar to this, There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. Luke 21:11 Revelation is an exciting story which should bring great joy to mankind. Every person on earth has a desire to be with God. Our search for answers is God driven but sometimes we take a wrong turn. The Holy Spirit will always help us get back on track. How blessed are we to have the answers we need through the Catholic Church.* There’s no need to search a 1000 different books to learn 1000 different answers. One only need look to the Catholic Church.

Since I lead our spiritual book club at church, I asked the group if anyone would be interested in reading a study book on Revelation. It was unanimous. I asked Father Adam for a recommendation. This fall we’ll be reading The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn.

Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 After reading today’s gospel, Deacon Cole smiles and repeats this line. Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Cole tells us, “See there’s no double meaning. God is giving us the Kingdom of Heaven!

* http://www.usccb.org/bible/revelation