Like I said when I started this blog, I am no bible scholar or ordained minister of the church. I am going to offer my take on today’s first reading from the book of Revelation (RV 14:1-3, 4B-5). As I read John’s writing is this book I see symbols. I could be way off on what these readings really mean so reader beware!
Take for instance these two lines “I heard a sound from heaven like the sound of rushing water or a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.” When I think about rushing water and thunder I contemplate loud noises that hurt my ears. But John goes on to say it sounds like a harpist. When I think about a harpist I think beautiful soothing music.
I think John is telling us that in any situation what we experience is what we perceive. In other words anything we come upon in life it is up to us to decide what we see and how to react. Our best reactions come when we know who we are and are okay with ourselves. God invites us love and accept ourselves so we can more fully love one another and Him.
I know this is only a small snippet of this reading and there is much more that could be discussed but this is a good example to me of John’s use of symbols to stretch us into being better followers of Christ.
The Gospel reading from Luke (LK 21:1-4) talks about the widow giving her livelihood to the offering. Again I think this reading is teaching us with symbols. The widow is a symbol of each of us. The money symbolizes things of man. Giving away everything in this world takes trust. Think about the trust it takes to give away all you have. You must trust that your treasure is going to do God’s work. You must also trust yourself that with God’s help you will be better off for your sacrifice.
As a literal person I find it challenging to see the symbolism in God’s word. However, I find it rewarding when I take the time to deeply contemplate the text and consider its bigger meaning.
GVW4U 