With all of its symbolism and sometimes horrifying imagery regarding the end of time, the cataclysms unleashed as history comes to a close, the main message of this final book of the Bible is that God is in charge and Jesus Christ is Lord. And that was a very important message for those first generations of Christians and for us today.
As the Church began to spread throughout the Roman empire, through Asia Minor and Greece, Christians were persecuted, as the Lord foretold. We heard it In the Gospel yesterday: the Lord stood in the temple and foretold: they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name.”
And as the early Christians experienced the hostility of the world, the persecution, even at the hands of their family members, this book served as powerful encouragement: don’t worry, don’t be afraid, God is in charge. Heaven awaits those who persevere in faith, glory awaits those who witness to Christ.
And, the more things change, the more they stay the same. For even though human history has seen technological advances, and the church has spread to nearly every corner of the globe, the Church in many places still exists in a secular culture whose mass media, entertainment, and educational systems are often hostile to Christians. An international, materialistic, consumerist, sexually immoral culture seduces many away from their Christian faith. And while literal idolatry—the worship of pagan gods—is less common today, spiritual idolatry—manifest in excessive love for created things rather than God—is stronger than ever. Excessive love for and trust in wealth, pleasure, science, technology, governments, institutions, and celebrities occupy the place in our hearts, minds, and souls that God is meant to occupy.
While this book offers reassurance to Christians, it also serves to help souls make the choice for Christ: choose their side—with whom will you stand—with God or his counterfeits. And that choice has real consequences: one leads to life, the other leads to destruction.
So, in these last weeks of Ordinary Time, as this book is read at Mass, we do well to examine our loyalties, and to consider what is at stake, that we may repent of all of our sins, and lead souls to Christ through our Christian witness for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
We bring to God our prayers of petition
For the grace to use the time God has given us to pursue faith, hope, and charity.
For the good of our nation, and for all newly elected officials; for God’s wisdom to govern our civic life, and for justice and peace for all.
For the safety of police and firefighters, for first responders, the underemployed and unemployed, for those struggling with addiction, for the incarcerated, for the homeless and destitute affected by cold and inclement weather, for those overwhelmed by stress, and for the sick and dying.
We pray in a special way during this Month of November for all of the faithful departed; for the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, and for N.
O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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