Revelation  20 1-4, 11-21                                                                          12-1-06 dcn.ca

It is little known but, I have it from “reliable sources” that there’s TV in heaven! And one of the favorite shows is called,  “What Are They Up to Now” The program involves a panel of writers that were the “actual” ones that wrote the different books of the bible, of course, more correctly did God’s work of writing the different books. Each week the panel takes a different book and checks out how we one earth are doing with the information and direction given to us mere mortals. The show that has caused the most commotion, to date, dealt with the Book of Revelations. The panel just couldn’t believe what us humans were doing with the text; in fact, they almost canceled the show because of it.

Anyway. If there is one book of the Bible that has caused a wide-ranging panorama of responses it is the book of revelation. I have to admit any time I hear the Book of Revelation referenced by someone I normally “whoosh – out” and pay very little attention. Unwillingness on my part to challenge myself with what it contains.

But this year I made myself take a closer look and read some commentary by respected biblical scholars. There is one message that I trust makes the other entire hullabaloo worthwhile, the message of hope. That was the original purpose of John’s writing the Book then and is one of the main purposes for us reading from it and reflecting on it’s meaning now.

When Revelations was written the Church was experiencing persecution and things where going to get worse. The Church needed to hear some good news. They were no different then we are today. In our human condition we cannot reasonably function without hope in our lives.

God’s message to us, through His Church, is one of hope. During this season The Book of Revelation presents to us 2 of the greatest sources of hope. One: The Savior Jesus Christ has come into our world, with the promise of eternal life through his Passion Death and Resurrection and second the promise of His return.

It as our gift and responsibility as part of His Church, that we encourage Christ’s rule in our lives by selfless generosity, fearless witness, gratitude and vigilance. With these qualities of life we are given hope and do our part in helping build and bring about the promised Kingdom.