Here we go: off into another scriptural venture. For the next two weeks the first readings will be selections from the Book of Revelation. What you should know from the outset is that this is the only New Testament book that is written in what is called the apocalyptic style or genre. The word "apocalyptic" comes to us from the Apocalypse of John. The word apocalypse mean revelation. It is a practice in writing style that has its beginning in the Jewish tradition in the second century before Christ. The style of writing seemed to die out in the second century anno domino. The revelation that is put forth in an apocalyptic writing is mysterious, requiring the mediation of an angel or some other supernatural figure. (The New Dictionary of Theology). One type of apocalyptic writings is historical. The Book of Revelation falls within this category. It was composed in the lase decade of the first century. These types of writings were significant in the formation and growth of early Christianity. St John states in the introductory sentences "Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near." He is writing to the seven churches (today we might say dioceses) in Asia. In particular here John speaks about the Church in Ephesus as can be noted by the jump from the first four verses of chapter one to the second chapter. In the message or letter to the Church of Ephesus, John is calling the people to repentance. Apparently there had been some departure from the love and works these folks had adopted as early Christians. Mentioning the removal of the lampstand -- a sign of favor -- John is trying to tell his hearers and readers that they will lose their place of prominence if they do not return to their good character. For the next two weeks, as we close out the current liturgical year, the readings will issue calls for us to repent, to realize how we may have fallen from our graced state. We, as Christ followers, should make clear by our own repentance how important repentance is. It is a reality that we should examine in our own lives. Sunday, November 19, 2006
DAILY REFLECTION
Here we go: off into another scriptural venture. For the next two weeks the first readings will be selections from the Book of Revelation. What you should know from the outset is that this is the only New Testament book that is written in what is called the apocalyptic style or genre. The word "apocalyptic" comes to us from the Apocalypse of John. The word apocalypse mean revelation. It is a practice in writing style that has its beginning in the Jewish tradition in the second century before Christ. The style of writing seemed to die out in the second century anno domino. The revelation that is put forth in an apocalyptic writing is mysterious, requiring the mediation of an angel or some other supernatural figure. (The New Dictionary of Theology). One type of apocalyptic writings is historical. The Book of Revelation falls within this category. It was composed in the lase decade of the first century. These types of writings were significant in the formation and growth of early Christianity. St John states in the introductory sentences "Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near." He is writing to the seven churches (today we might say dioceses) in Asia. In particular here John speaks about the Church in Ephesus as can be noted by the jump from the first four verses of chapter one to the second chapter. In the message or letter to the Church of Ephesus, John is calling the people to repentance. Apparently there had been some departure from the love and works these folks had adopted as early Christians. Mentioning the removal of the lampstand -- a sign of favor -- John is trying to tell his hearers and readers that they will lose their place of prominence if they do not return to their good character. For the next two weeks, as we close out the current liturgical year, the readings will issue calls for us to repent, to realize how we may have fallen from our graced state. We, as Christ followers, should make clear by our own repentance how important repentance is. It is a reality that we should examine in our own lives. 
