The Second Reading on Sunday during this year’s Easter season is taken from the Book of Revelation. It is one of the most misunderstood and challenging books in the Bible. However, there is a good reason why the book as a whole, can help us to deepen our Easter faith and joy.
Many people admit that the Book of Revelation confuses them, even makes them uneasy. Its contents are as strange as spiritual science fiction. The story is difficult to follow, the symbolism of beasts that come out of the sea, numbers written on right hands and marks on foreheads puzzle us. There are plagues, 4 horsemen, and excessive violence. We also know that the Book is misused and misunderstood by people who seek information about events in our own time and speculate about the end of the world.
Even the Church is very cautious using this book. There are only seven occasions when it is read on Sundays; once on the Feast of Christ the King, and on the six Sundays of Easter during Year C (this year). The readings are chosen during Easter to encourage us to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Resurrection and to deepen our Easter faith and joy.
We, like the original audience, need to recognize that the Book of Revelation was written for a group of persecuted Christians during the Roman Empire around the year AD 95. It is a genre of writing, known as “apocalyptic.” Apocalyptic writing is extremely symbolic known only to the informed. The Book of Daniel from the Old Testament is another example of this type of writing. The symbols are not literal, and need to be interpreted for their deeper meaning. “Those in the know,” understand the meaning of the symbols and the numbers, they understand the meaning of the writing. Those who are “outside of the faithful”, would have no idea what the message of the writings would be. It is a fanciful writing about a great battle, but the Book’s Revelation basic message is that good willtriumph over evil. The Lamb (Jesus) has been slain, but He is victorious in the battle over death. Even though there is great persecution by the Roman Empire especially Emperor Nero Caesar (the letters of his name translate to the infamous “666”) we still have hope in Christ, don’t give up the faith, for in the end Christ will prevail, and faith will save us, especially during times of persecution.
As the last book in the Bible, the final chapter of the whole story of God and His people: first the Hebrews, then the Church, all things begin and end with the name of Christ.
In our time, we need to hear those comforting words of encouragement. It also can serve as a warning to us not to conform ourselves to the values of this earth alone. If we remain faithful in the face of trials and even persecutions, the rewards of eternal life await us. To always remember that we are not alone in our conflict of the spiritual forces of evil. The Book concludes with the great AMEN, COME LORD JESUS. Just remember, the worldly think they might be winning the battle in suppressing the truth, persecuting the Church, even mocking God, just remember in the end—God wins!
EASTER DUTY
One of the minimum requirements of being Catholic is that all Catholics are to receive Holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter Season; Easter Sunday until Trinity Sunday (June 12). The Catechism of the Catholic Church adds that this Easter duty for Catholics should be preceded by confession.
This requirement is meant to serve as a bare minimum for Catholics.