These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come . . . Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created.” (Rev 4:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111622.cfm
The hymns from the Book of Revelation seem to be taken directly from the liturgy of the community that produced this fascinating book. Hymns are an important part of all liturgy of the church. As Saint Augustine would say, “The one who sings, prays twice!” The young man in today’s video prays thrice!
"To the angel of the Church in Laodicea, write this: “‘The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation, says this: “I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. (Rev 3:1-6, 14-22)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111522.cfm
This passage has always stuck in my mind. How did the community of Laodicea receive this message from the Lord . . . that they made him sick to his stomach? Today’s picture is a picture of the church from our visit to the ruins of ancient Laodicea.
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. (Rev 1:1-4; 2:1-5)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111422.cfm
As the liturgical year comes to a close, we begin the reading of the Book of Revelation. A key to understanding the book is perhaps hidden in the above passage. It seems that the setting for the book is the liturgy of this community: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen.” The “letters” to the seven churches of Asia Minor although addressed to specific communities have always been treasured by the whole church.
Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch,
says the LORD of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays. (Mal 3:19-20a)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111322.cfm
The Bible does speak of the Day of the Lord, but too often people focus on fire “blazing like an oven” rather than on the message of salvation—the “sun of justice with its healing rays.” Maybe for good reason the Lord cautions us: "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!”
Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and sisters, especially for strangers; they have testified to your love before the Church. Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey. (3 Jn 5-8)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111222.cfm
Saint Josaphat (1580-1623) was a bishop of the Ruthenian (now Ukrainian) Catholic Church who was a martyr to Christian Unity. We pray for the church in Ukraine and for the peace and safety of all the Ukrainian people. Today's photo is of the Ukrainian people in prayer.
