The Seven Churches of Revelation, part twenty

If you’re new to this series, catch up @ https://polination.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/the-seven-churches-of-revelation-part-nineteen/ (and prev)

The first book I read about the Book of Revelation was written in 1880. The author held to the idea that the Letters describe historical periods. The author mentioned that this idea had generally fallen out of favor with other Bible scholars, but I was intrigued by it. I did my own pondering and concluded he was right in general, but wrong about the historical times he assigned to each of the Letters.

Recently, I got hold of a 2006 book that cites Tim LaHaye, Hal Lindsey, J. Vernon McGee and the author, Daymond R. Duck, all espousing the Letters as Church Ages interpretation, so I guess the idea came back into vogue at some point. I disagree with all their dates and they disagree with each other, but I can’t comment beyond that, since the book just lists the Letters and historical dates for each of the four men, without explaining anything.

Nevertheless, they all seem to share the same anti-Catholic bias from which the 1880 author also suffered. I attribute this to two things.

• One: Protestants seem to have little to no interest in the history of Christianity between Justinian and Martin Luther.
• Two: Catholics are actively discouraged from participating in End Times prophecy discussions. The prevailing attitude in Catholic circles is that the Book of Revelation is about stuff that happened a long time ago, so we shouldn’t bother our pretty little heads about it.

Too bad I don’t listen so good. ;o) Or maybe not. I concentrated in Medieval Studies in college and taught RCIA at my parish. I bring some things to this discussion that others do not, like a solid grounding in the good stuff about Catholicism and no indoctrination into a particular End Time interpretation. Plus, I have always hung out with non-Catholic Christians who, too often, have a more vibrant faith than the folks in my own home parish pews, so I’ve got no prejudice against any denomination. I think this all allows me to come at Revelation with fresh eyes.

As for the words of Jesus that are oft-repeated by Catholics when End Times prophecy comes up – “Of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. [Matt 24:36] – I’d just like to point out that the entire chapter prior to this verse is full of signs of the End Times, at the end of which, Jesus said: “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, know that he is near, at the gates.” [Matt 24:32-35]  It seems to me we’re supposed to be watching and understanding the signs, not so we can go all hysterical, but so we can be ready.

When our kids were deployed, we never knew the “day and hour” they’d return until they literally marched in the door. But we always had a general idea, along the lines of “mid to late August” or something. They were not allowed to communicate specifics about troop movements, but as the time grew closer, we’d get tidbits of information and the FRG would start sending updates for those families that wanted to be on base for the welcoming ceremony.

But even then, the wait at the base could be hours long, as families with signs and flags and squirmy kids sat in bleachers waiting and waiting and waiting. Then the door would burst open and they’d march in.

And everyone would start screaming and cheering.

They’d line up and the CO would give a “Mission Accomplished” speech.

Then they’d be released, at which point, the folks in the bleachers would flood down to the floor for hugs and tears and photos.

That’s how I feel about Jesus coming again. I am eager for the “day and hour” and I want to understand all the signs. If that makes me a crappy Catholic, so be it.

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Sources:

New American Bible online @ http://www.usccb.org/bible/