“Behold, I make all things new.” God opens the door to the Gentiles, creates a new heaven and a new earth, and gives us a new commandment, to love one another. This is a promise of hope for us all.
For the early Christians the Book of Revelation was a source of hope. In it the enemies of the Lamb (Jesus) have been vanquished, and evil, represented by images of a dragon, a beast, and a false prophet, has been thrown into the lake of fire, and a newness comes upon all creation.
It helps us to understand the book of Revelation, if we remember that it was written in symbolic language to encourage Christians who were being persecuted and killed by the Romans. The overall message of the letter is, “Hold fast to the faith. Evil will not triumph. God will win out in the end, and all creation will be renewed.”
The Spirit of God speaks to us through the Scriptures. How then does this vision of God announcing an end to pain and suffering and a new creation come into our own life and times? How does God’s promise become reality in the present day? (Continued next week)
“See, I have God for my help. The Lord sustains my soul.” (Psalm 54:6)
Happy St. Ignatius Day (July 31)!
spiritphoto 
Beautiful! Gives one hope!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good Morning Fr. Ron As always your photos are beautiful, but, as a woodworker, I am especially intrigued by the veneer portrait of St. Ignatius. All best, Lynn
>
LikeLiked by 1 person