Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
In John’s visions, he sees a door open to heaven. The struggles, persecutions and the deaths of Christians have reached the throne of God in heaven. It is as if the throne-room were watching
the latest news from the front lines. It is not, however, passive listening, but active response to the sufferings on earth, because both the heavens and the earth share the experience of the Christians on earth.
The throne-room of God is magnificent in beauty and splendor; it is also awesome in its peals of thunder and flashing lights. God is enthroned in heaven and sits in triumph. God receives the singing of the celestial concert, not because God has no concern for the suffering on earth, but because God has the entire situation under control and the battle is won. The throne-room is aloud in the noise of victory
The book of Revelation is the book of victory. It was written for the Christians of the first century and it is read by Christians of the twenty-first century. It strengthened the Christians of the first century in their struggles within the Church and with the authorities of the state, and it is to strengthen us in our conflicts within ourselves and with the authorities if the state.
In all that is happening in our lives and Church, we are challenged to give God glory for the gift of creation and for God’s marvelous majesty.