• Reading I: Rev. 1:1-4;2:1-5
• Resp. Psalm:  Psalm 1:1-2,3-4,6
• Gospel Reading:  Luke 18:35-43

Today we begin the lectio cursiva of the Revelation to John.  The book is known by another name, "Apocalypse" which is based on the greek word that also means "revelation".   Rev. 1:1-4 forms part of the introduction of the work.  The visions of recorded in the Apocalypse are to be written and sent to the seven Churches mentioned in the book.  Note that there is an indirect command to read the recorded visions in the liturgical assembly in the two-fold macharism "Blessed is the one who reads … and blessed are those who listen and heed (it)…"  The passage is not about a private reading of the work.

On the other hand, John 2:1-5 constitutes the cover letter of the book addressed to the Church in Ephesus.  The message is a call to repentance.  Readers of the New Testament are familiar with the Ephesians to whom Paul addresses one of his letters.   Here, we find the one who holds the seven stars and walks in the midst of the seven lamp posts telling the Ephesians that he knows their struggles but that they have grown cold in their commitment.  "You have lost the love you had at first", he says.  Hence, the call to repentance.

The one who holds the seven stars and walks in the midst of the seven lamp posts is the same one who appears to John and whom he describes at the introduction to his work.  He is the Lord, and the stars and the seven lamp posts are symbols of the Churches.    It is worth reflecting on this symbolism of the Churches.  It actually reminds me of the time during World Youth Day 1995 when, during a celebration of the lights when the Luneta Park was darkened and candles were lit, and John Paul II told the participants:  "Look at the stars above you.  They are small lights bursting through the darkened sky.  Look at yourselves; you are like the stars here on earth."  But what is important is the reason for the call to repentance.  The Ephesians have lost the love they had at first, they have grown cold.  Isn’t this the conditiion of those Christians who, after attending a retreat or recollection, go back to their former selves when the fervor of renewal has died?

The exact words of the Lord are "Repent and do the works you did at first".  Faith must express itself in works of love, and the Ephesians have been failing in this.  The selection actually invites the community of faith to look at itself and make a communal examination of conscience:  In your own community, is there genuine fervor of faith that is shown in works of love (not so much in loud prayer meetings)?   

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