Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
We begin a series of readings from the book of Revelation. Note that the name is Revelation, not Revelations, singular not plural. The Greek name of the book is Apocalypse. It is a book of comfort to a people in distress.
The revelation is about “what must happen soon” because “the appointed time is near.” Soon and near point to a present time; now is the time. Because it is happening now, it is relevant to their time and to our time.
John is told to write letters to the seven churches is Asia (present day Turkey). They follow a pattern: a greeting from the Lord, a statement of encouragement; a statement of wrongdoing and a need for repentance; and an announcement of coming judgment.
Each town and its people are represented in the imagery of a lampstand. If one is removed, where will that one be? The Spirit walks among the lampstands; without the Spirit, there is no life.
The wars, battles and persecutions of the book of Revelation mirror the interior conflicts within ourselves. The book of Revelations shows God calmly seated upon the throne quietly in control despite raging battles. This same God remains seated, in total control, during our personal struggles because God has everything under control. God sees what we are going through, and God tells us to keep going through it. God knows the outcome and is not worried about us; God can sit and not have to scurry about cleaning us our messes.