Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

 Lectionary: 497

Blessed is the one who reads aloud
and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message
and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near.

 During these last weekdays of the liturgical year, before the welcome season of Advent, we will hear passages from the last book of the Bible, Revelation. In the introduction we hear the first of seven blessings. It is especially for the lector who reads the book to a congregation. The USCCB website provides the New American Bible Revised Edition, (NABRE), with links to the six other verses: Rev 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14. 

This blessings remind us of the primary purpose of Revelation, and that is comfort. Though the seer is understandably frightened by the vision; and he and his congregation are repeatedly assured, "Do not be afraid." Those who have come to the Lord through the proclamation of the Gospel know that invitation. We have heard angels announce it to Mary, the shepherds of Bethlehem, and the women who saw the Risen Lord. And the Lord personally appeared to Saint Paul with the same message. (Acts 18:9 & 27:24)

Those who read and hear Revelation might see terrible things as the world reacts to the Gospel like a trapped feral animal. Consequently, many Christian churches will be burned, and many Christians will suffer persecution and death. All will experience suspicion and contempt. They live the Good News in a world that fears more than anything else the presence and actions of God. As Jean Paul Sartre said, "If there is a God, there shouldn't be!" 

They do not know that if human beings are not free to receive reassurance, guidance, and rebuke from God, they are not free at all. They severely limit their world to that which is known and familiar. "Better the devil you know," they say, "than the God you don't." Seeing no farther than their own horizons, they cannot see, or intentionally refuse to see, the long-term consequences of their behavior. They expect no more than brief satisfaction, and momentary pleasure is enough. They suppose the end justifies the means, however violent and cruel the means might be. 

In addition to those who read and hear this prophetic message, the seven blessings of Revelation include

• reassurance about the dead; they "find rest from their labor, for their works accompany them.” Rev 14:13; 
• those who expect the Lord wear appropriate wedding garments, Rev 16:15; 
• they share the banquet, especially the Eucharist, Rev 19:9;
• they have died and are reborn through the Sacrament, Rev 20:6;
• they hear the Word of God and do it Rev 22:7,;
• and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev 22: 14. 

As is typical of apocalyptic literature, the imagery is colorful, graphic, and unforgettable. But the message is not like most apocalyptic. In fact, it is quite different from similar writings of the first century, and the horrific videos, movies, and cartoons of today. Where our entertainment tells us to "Be afraid, be very afraid," Revelation assures the faithful who cling to the Lord. They have nothing to fear. 

We should only stand up and watch, for our salvation is near at hand. As Moses said to his frightened little flock in the face of the most powerful army on earth: 

“Do not fear! Stand your ground and see the victory the LORD will win for you today. For these Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again.
The LORD will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)