The book of revelation is comprised of a series of visions. The word Revelation refers to an unveiling of heaven, of God’s plan—an unveiling, as if the curtains which normally are closed to us mortal beings are drawn back.
Having concluded the messages to seven churches, John is given a vision of the throne room of heaven—the beautiful and majestic creator of the universe, seated on a throne and receiving the worship of his heavenly court. These verses evoke awe and wonder at the majesty of God. They are also reminiscent of descriptions of God in the Old Testament—especially the vision of Ezekiel. And so these verses also indicate that what will come next in the book will also continue a message, like Ezekiels. And what were the prophets always preaching about? Justice.
God has been watching human history play out. He has seen the suffering of his people, but he has also seen their hardness of hearts. God has witnessed the persecution of the Church, but, as we heard on those messages to the seven churches, God has also witnessed Christians forsaking their baptism, letting their faith die, allowing worldly riches and worldly pleasures replace the love they are to have for Jesus and the fervor they are to have for the Gospel.
Today the Church honors another of the great visionaries of history, St. Gertrude. From the time she was a little girl Gertrude had visions of Jesus and Mother Mary. Gertrude loved to study, and in what must be the rarest of visions, Jesus appeared to her and told her to stop studying so much: she needed to pray more and attend to her spiritual life.
In her journal, recording the revelations and visions of her life, she describes how she was taken as a mystical bride of Christ, the Lord himself, placing on her finger a wedding ring. She experienced indescribable ecstasies, but also indescribable sufferings, for she received the Holy Stigmata of the Heart—feeling deeply in her heart the suffering of Our Lord for the salvation of sinners.
Gertrude was also given glimpses into purgatory, and she was shown how our prayers, especially the Mass, are so efficacious in assisting the souls in purgatory. She was greatly devoted to the poor souls, and offered daily the following prayer: “Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.”
We may not be given glimpses of heaven like John, or glimpses of purgatory like St. Gertrude. But blessed are those who believe who have not seen, as our Lord tells St. Thomas in the Gospels.
So let us take to heart this visions and their messages: the need to repent, the need to have fervor for the Gospel, the need to pray for the poor souls, and to offer our whole lives as divine worship for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
For blessings upon the Bishops gathered in Baltimore for their annual meeting this week, that their conversations, prayers, and deliberations for the good of the Church may be blessed.
That our young people may be assisted by their families in growing in faith, hope, and love, and protected from the evil and corruption of the world.
For all those struggling with addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind: that they will be fortified and blessed with God’s special favor, healing and peace. We pray to the Lord.
Through the intercession of St. Gertrude, we pray in a special way for all of the faithful departed during this Month of November, for the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, and all the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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