Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Revelation 5:1-11; Luke 19:41-44)
The word revelation comes from the Latin word revelatio
which translates the Greek word apocalypse. Revelation is a lifting of the screen (in
Latin, vela) of the future so that what will happen becomes known now.
In the drama of today’s passage from the Book of Revelation the scroll in God’s
hand contains the story of the future.
Only Jesus, the lamb that was slain for the forgiveness, is worthy of receiving
the key to the future.
The revelation of the scroll will be given in the following sections
of the book. It will tell how evil is to
be vanquished and how in the end the earth will be renewed with heaven
compenetrating it. The passage itself ends with the heavenly assembly now
worshipping the Lamb just as it had just worshipped God sitting on the throne.
Ther Book of Revelation is obviously obscure. It should not be read, however, as a treasure
hunt to find details about the end of time.
Rather we should think of it as a testimony of hope giving reason to
keep faith in the Lord Jesus.
