The Book of Revelation is written by the Church to the Church and for the Church as she journeys through history to the wind up of the end times. In this episode, the Irish Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, speaks about how the Church has to get ready for the Parousia; He left the earth as the Lamb of God and returns as the Lion of Judah. As Frances Hogan continues the introduction of the Book of Revelation, we get answers from St. John to questions like:

1. Why does God allow chastisement?
2. Why does the Church have such a hard time in its journey through history?
3. Where is it all going?
4. Is there any meaning to these events?
5. Is Jesus really going to come back?

St. John uses his favorite number 7 - a number of perfection and completion - throughout his Gospel and the Book of Revelation; he gives us 7 beatitudes spread across the Book of Revelation. 

Bible References:

• Matt. 25 - The wise and foolish virgins waiting for the bridegroom to return
• Luke 12:35-40 - Jesus said his disciples and servants need to be ready when He comes
• Luke 12:4-5 - Do not be afraid of those who kill the body; only be afraid of the one who can send your soul to hell
• Luke 12:56 - The Church must obey; we must read the signs of the times
• Luke 12:2 - There is nothing concealed that won't be revealed
• Luke 2: Mother Mary treasured every word that came from God
• Rev. 1:2-3 - 1st beatitude: Blessed are those who read this prophecy, those who listen to somebody else reading it, and those who treasure it
• Rev. 14:13 - 2nd beatitude: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord
• Rev. 16:15 - 3rd beatitude: Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes on
• Rev. 19:9 - 4th beatitude: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb; the true words of God
• Rev. 20:6 - 5th beatitude: Blessed and holy are those who take part in the first resurrection; they will reign with God for a thousand years
• Rev. 22:7 - 6th beatitude: Blessed is who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book
• Rev. 22:14 - Blessed are those who wash their robes clean so they may have the right to the tree of life

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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