We skip several chapters in coming to today’s first reading (Revelation 10:8‑11). The intervening chapters discuss the gradual opening of the seven seals on the scroll and the sounding of six of seven trumpets. Today’s reading is a digression from the main theme. John has been offered a small scroll by an angel of God. This […]
Eating The Scroll – Sweet With Its Promise Of Life Read More »
The vision we were introduced to yesterday of God on his throne in glory continues with the introduction of a scroll that represents God’s secret plans for the world (Revelation 5:1‑10). Its contents are described in chapters 6‑9 of Revelation, which we will not be reading in the liturgy. Today’s passage is beautiful once the symbolism
The Scroll – No One Is Found Worthy To Open And Reveal The Contents Read More »
As we come to the last two weeks of the liturgical year, our first readings are from the Book of Revelation (also called Apocalypse). This is probably the book of the New Testament which causes the most puzzlement to many Christians. The strange, obscure language seems outrageous and difficult to understand. For Christians of some
Invest This Until I Get Back – Make Better Use Of The Gifts He Has Given Us Read More »
Many people have the impression that the Old Testament is the harsh, fire-and-brimstone part of the Bible, while the New Testament is filled only with good news. In the Old Testament, God is always angry and smiting this person or punishing that nation. The New Testament is all love and happiness. In reality, this picture
Book Of Revelation – Point To The Heroism Of Our Predecessors Read More »
Today we have Luke’s version (Luke 18:35-43) of the story of the blind man, called Bar-Timaeus in Mark’s gospel, the son of Timaeus. In Mark, the story is strategically placed at the end of a long teaching section where Jesus’ disciples are slowly deepening their understanding of Jesus and his mission. The story, full of
Please Let Me See – He Became A Follower Of Jesus Read More »
Today is the second to last Sunday of the Church year. Next Sunday we will celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. On this Sunday the readings traditionally speak about the end of the world, the end of time, the final coming of Jesus to take all peoples and all creation to himself. We hear
The Alpha And The Omega – Live Today And Every Day In His Love Read More »
(Part Two) The Third Letter of John preserves a brief glimpse into the problems of missionary activity and local autonomy in the early church. In contrast to the other two letters of John, this work was addressed to a specific individual, Gaius. This letter is less theological in content and purpose than the First and
John’s Letters – Commends Gaius For His Hospitality Read More »
(Part One) Early Christian tradition identified these works as letters of John the apostle. Because of their resemblance to the fourth gospel in style, vocabulary, and ideas, it is generally agreed that both works are the product of the same school of Johannine Christianity. The terminology and the presence or absence of certain theological ideas
John’s Letters – Akin To A Theological Treatise Read More »
Today we begin reading from the three shortest books of the New Testament—a reading from Paul’s Letter to Philemon. The whole ‘book’ consists of just one chapter and is, in the strict sense, a letter from one friend to another. Paul even claims to have written it in his own hand. Most of his longer
Paul’s Letter To Philemon – Example Of Christian Forgiveness And Reconciliation Read More »
Today, our third and last reading from the Letter to Titus (Titus 3:1‑7) consists of some general instruction for church members. The living of a full Christian life touches not only on our direct relations with God but also permeates even the smallest actions of our day and the role we play in the everyday
Living As A Church – Be Ready For Every Good Work Read More »