During the persecution of the Christians by the Emperor Domitian, the Book of Revelation was written to encourage them to remain faithful to Jesus. Many had lost their lives and were among the first martyrs of Christianity.
St. John depicts the two witnesses as Moses (Ex 7:17-20; Rv 11:6) and Elijah (1 Kgs 18:36-40; Jas 5:17; Rv 11:6), the same individuals who appeared at the Transfiguration with Jesus (Mk 9:4). He makes the point of showing that they have resurrected from the dead and gone to heaven. The reference to three-and-one-half days (Rv 11:11) refers to the time of tribulation similar to the three-and-one-quarter years during which the Maccabees had revolted against Antiochus Epiphanes IV in 165 B.C. The witnesses triumphed over their enemies and went to heaven (Rv 11:12).
The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the body whereas the Sadducees did not (Lk 20:27). Today we hear of many bizarre theories such as reincarnation which deny the resurrection of the body and in a certain sense the immortality of the soul. The Scriptures are very clear about life after death. The continuance of life is that which gives meaning to human mortality. The Eucharist is already a foretaste of the continuance of life. The Eucharist is a pledge of our future glory. Believe in the resurrection. Live in that hope so as to be strong as you follow Jesus.
| PRAYER: | "Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war" (Ps 144:1). |
| PROMISE: | "God is not the God of the dead but of the living. All are alive for Him." –Lk 20:38 |
| PRAISE: | St. Cecilia, her husband, and his brother all were crowned as martyrs and praise Jesus forever in eternal joy. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College