Daily Retreat 11/18/08
2008 Nov 18 Tue: Ordinary Weekday/ Dedication of the Churches of Peter and Paul/ Rose Philippine Duchesne, v, r, ms
Rv 3: 1-6. 14-22/ Ps 14(15): 2-3a. 3bc-4ab. 5/ Lk 19: 1-10.
Or readings for Peter & Paul: Acts 28: 11-16. 30-31/ Ps 97(98): 1. 2-3ab. 3cd-4. 5-6/ Mt 14: 22-33
From today’s readings: “Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.... He who walks blamelessly and does justice... ‘Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.’ And he came down quickly and received Him with joy....”
The Seven Churches
Chapters Two and Three are perhaps the most straightforward of sections in the Book of Revelation. These letters to the Christian communities in Asia Minor are still rich in symbolic language, but they also are blunt enough about the spiritual strengths and weaknesses of the communities.
Each of the letters also is steeped with local flavor. For example, the city of Sardis was practically impregnable as a fortress, but it’s ideal defensive position led to overconfidence on the part of its citizens, so the city fell twice in surprise night raids (Cyrus in 546BC, Anticochus in 195 BC). In both cases, the defeat could have and should have been averted by vigilance. The reference to garments also was especially appropriate because the city was the center of a thriving wool industry.
Needless to say, these letters to the seven Churches are thus to be firmly established in their historical context. However, it’s also justifiable and essential to apply the warnings to present realities - the arrogant lethargy of the Church in Laodicea, for example, can certainly also be seen lurking in the Church in wealthy nations such as the United States, so "whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches!"
Rv 3: 1-6. 14-22/ Ps 14(15): 2-3a. 3bc-4ab. 5/ Lk 19: 1-10.
Or readings for Peter & Paul: Acts 28: 11-16. 30-31/ Ps 97(98): 1. 2-3ab. 3cd-4. 5-6/ Mt 14: 22-33
From today’s readings: “Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.... He who walks blamelessly and does justice... ‘Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.’ And he came down quickly and received Him with joy....”
The Seven Churches
Chapters Two and Three are perhaps the most straightforward of sections in the Book of Revelation. These letters to the Christian communities in Asia Minor are still rich in symbolic language, but they also are blunt enough about the spiritual strengths and weaknesses of the communities.
Each of the letters also is steeped with local flavor. For example, the city of Sardis was practically impregnable as a fortress, but it’s ideal defensive position led to overconfidence on the part of its citizens, so the city fell twice in surprise night raids (Cyrus in 546BC, Anticochus in 195 BC). In both cases, the defeat could have and should have been averted by vigilance. The reference to garments also was especially appropriate because the city was the center of a thriving wool industry.
Needless to say, these letters to the seven Churches are thus to be firmly established in their historical context. However, it’s also justifiable and essential to apply the warnings to present realities - the arrogant lethargy of the Church in Laodicea, for example, can certainly also be seen lurking in the Church in wealthy nations such as the United States, so "whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches!"
posted by FrPitstick | 11/16/2008
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