Word to the Wise
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - Wednesday in the 33th Week in Ordinary Time
[Rev 4:1-11 and Luke 19:11-28]I, John, had a vision of an open door to heaven, and I heard the trumpetlike voice that had spoken to me before, saying, "Come up here and I will show you what must happen afterwards." At once I was caught up in spirit. [Revelation]
The starting point of any discussion or reflection on the Book of Revelation has to be the recognition of its genre! Scripture scholars call it "apocalyptic" literature. That is why this book in older bibles was called The Book of Apocalypse. It is about a vision experienced by one writer. The Old Testament provides us with good examples in the books of Ezekiel and Daniel. The gospels use "apocalyptic" language to describe Jesus' return at the end of time. Some of the language can be as vivid as any sci-fi movie ever made.
Visionary language in the bible is highly symbolic and not meant to be taken literally but rather interpreted and understood in a "Get what I mean?" way. In the Book of Daniel, Chapters 7-13, one may find amazing visionary descriptions. In Ezekiel, the very first chapter begins with a vision in which the prophet receives his call to prophecy! In the gospels, Mark 13:24-27, Matthew 24:15-28, and Luke 21:25-28 Jesus is portrayed in using apocalyptic language to describe the end of time.
The Book of Revelation was written to encourage a community under persecution. The images are intended to assure the reader or listener that God's kingdom is more powerful than any other kingdom and will triumph over all adversaries. Different communities are called to account for the ways in which they are living in the light of God's kingdom. Images are borrowed from the Old Testament (cf Ezekiel 1 about the "four living creatures.") and current culture that would be known to the audience of the time. But the message endures in our time that whatever secular ideology, supported by political forces, can try to destroy God's purposes, it will not ultimately triumph. The vivid imagery may excite the religious imagination, but the imagery is not the message. AMEN