A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne sat one
whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian.
Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald.
A fter hearing the Lord's dictated messages to the seven church, the visionary John of Patmos is led deeper into the purpose of Revelation.
I toured the ruins of an ancient fort in Trim, Ireland where the tourists were shown what remained of an upper floor ballroom. The floor had mostly collapsed but we walked around the narrow ridge that remained. The guide told us the local neighbors of the lord would never have seen that room. It was only for the wealthy and the nobility.
In today's first reading, the seer John of Patmos is shown into the very room where the Lord God of the Universe reigns supreme. It is not unlike that described in the Book of Daniel; and very like a room few ever saw in Rome. It was, in fact, far more splendid than the Roman Emperor's throne room, despite all the fabulous finery they might have amassed for that legendary site. Walls cannot contain God's palatial chamber with its sea of crystal glass, its panoply of kings bowing down before Him, and its rank on rank of angels. Any comparison with the Roman emperor's display must be ludicrous. It's no wonder few ever saw that earthly chamber ; anyone who knows the One whose appearance sparkles like jasper and carnelian would laugh at it.
Nor can anyone question God's authority. It is beyond anything the powers of earth might devise. Today's gospel alludes to that authority with its story of an unpopular despot who travels to a distant city to receive greater power. Upon his return, after checking on his lieutenants and their management of affairs in his absence, he has his opponents summarily executed. "Business is business," and he does not hesitate to dispose of certain unpleasantries.
Every day of his life, the Son of God lived and demonstrated his profound gratitude for, and his obedience before, the Lord of Heaven and Earth. His humility demonstrated the patience of the One whom he worshiped. But he could also speak of that Day when Justice will be administered. That will not be simply a leveling day when everyone is made equal in God's sight. No, the lowly, poor, and despised will be raised on high; while the well-fed, prosperous, and universally admired are thrown into desolation.
As we approach the "Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe" we can look around at the pitiful demonstrations of power the media offers to us. We know too well the staggering power of the world's militaries. They are prepared to kill all life, human and otherwise, for the sake of their ideologies. Each one claims to defend their subject's freedom even as their bureaucracies control and manage every citizen's thought, word, and deed. Each one is like an enormous oil tanker, made of cheap plastic, sailing a stormy sea through narrow straits. Their destruction is not a matter of if but when.
We do not know how much more they must destroy. But we do know they cannot last into eternity; that has been reserved for the Lord Jesus and those who belong to him. And we will see That Day.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.