1 November 2015
Sunday, Solemnity of All Saints
The Book of Revelation was brought to birth in the midst of first-century Roman persecution. While its cosmic and bizarre images reflect the final battle between the forces of good and evil, Revelation is ultimately a celebration of triumph.
The text we read this Sunday for the Solemnity of All Saints celebrates with us the “Church Triumphant,” the reality we all share, in our hope of eternal life. John’s vision describes a vast multitude that has triumphed over sin and death and now wears the white robes of new life. The numbering of the faithful (144,000) is derived from the repeated multiplication of ten (designating perfection) with twelve (representing the twelve tribes of Israel). This is the vast assembly of saints who have survived the time of great distress. These are God’s faithful ones whose lives have embraced the cross and who now stand in unison to offer the hymn of praise. This great multitude represents every nation, people, race and tongue, all of humanity from time immemorial. John’s vision is one of the completion and perfection of God’s kingdom.
We should look beyond the Book of Revelation's sometimes "far out" depictions of cosmic forces to see a new world where God’s kingdom will ultimately live on in triumph. One day we will all step into this great vision. We will stand with our brothers and sisters in faith to join in the unending chorus of praise: “Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Are we readying ourselves in this life to take our rightful place with the triumphant multitude?
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
