Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(Revelation 15:1-4; Luke 21:12-19)
As the seer nears the end of his Revelation, he has favorable
news to report. In today’s passage he
sees seven angels carrying seven bowls of plagues that will wipe out Christian
persecutors. Like the ten plagues liberated
the Israelites in Egypt, the seven plagues of the Apocalypse will crush Roman
oppression.
But before the plagues take their toll, John reports a
heavenly recital evoking more memories of Passover. Those who have come through the trials with
intact innocence play the victory song of Moses. They use harps -- instruments of sweet, peaceful
sounds.
Sometimes the Book of Revelation is exploited to defend
anger and revenge. But its message is
deeper and more subtle than the wrathful images it contains. It tells of God’s care for those who do His
will. It promotes both righteous living
and turning to God for help. It endeavors
to free us from worry when we face challenges.
It assures that God is ready to help us when we call on Him.
