Confession time: I've NEVER read the Book of Revelations, the last book of the Bible. All that symbolism and end-of-times stuff is a bit over my head. That is until I read Fr. Richard Veras' book, Wisdom for Everyday Life from the Book of Revelation. Fr. Veras' book details all the symbolism and imagery throughout all 20 chapters of Revelation.
One thing that he is quick to point out is that Revelations is NOT just about the end-times; Revelations is "a catechesis that summarizes foundational truths of Christianity." Father later explains that "the Church sets this book before us as inspired Scripture tells us that it has relevance for every Christian in every historical moment and circumstance. The battle it speaks about is a universal battle, so it refers in some way to every battle, great and small, that is fought in the Church's pilgrimage through time."
How cool is that? Who knew?
Here's another cool thought: The book of Revelation seeks to underscore the infinite dimensions behind the encounter with Christ and the decision to follow him. ... (it) draws our attentin to the fact that following Jesus is a gesture of inestimable worth and incalulable proportion.
Father Veras goes through each chapter of Revelation, step by step, to explain the major themes (including that "Jesus Christ is truly present in the midst of His Church"). The symbolism and imagery in this last book of the Bible, as explained in Fr. Veras' book, is amazing! There is such richness throughout this relatively small volume (only 130 pages long)!
The final chapter sums up Revelations: the message is one of hope, hope and faith that Jesus will come again, but more importantly is that he is here with His Church ALL THE TIME and the faithful must rejoice in this fact.
He who testifies to these things says,"Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. (Rev 22:20-21).
This is an amazing book by Fr. Richard Veras who is a pastor on Staten Island and has taught in parochial high schools. He has a gift for ellucidating even the most cryptic of passages and applying each and every bit of the scripture to every day life. I highly recommend this book for high schoolers and older, especially if you're like me, and have never read Revelations!
This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Wisdom for Everyday Life From the Book of Revelations and other great books and resources.
Veras, Fr. Richard -- Wisdom for Everyday Life from the Book of Revelations. Servant Books (Cincinnati, OH). 2009. isbn: 978-0-86716-905-8. paperback (pgs 130).
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