Video - Revelation chapter 9

 

Audio script

9/Revelation, Chapter Nine.

Revelation Chapter 9

1.       9:1-2 The 5^th trumpet

When it was blown, a star from heaven used a key to open the abyss and smoke came out.

2.      9:3-12 The locusts

Locust came out of the abyss harming only those without the seal of God on their foreheads.

3.       9:13-15 The 6^th trumpet

When it was blown, an angel released four angles who were to kill a third of the human race.

4.       9:16-19 The cavalry

When it was blown, an angel released four angles who were to kill a third of the human race.

5.      9:20-21 The human race

The rest of the human race did not report of their idol workshop, murders and robberies.

Homily - 18A Sunday homily (06 August 2023) The Transfiguration

 

TOPIC: THE TRANSFIGURATION

1) STORY

While living in Rome, I took a visitor to see the beautiful St. Peter’s Basilica, a church I had often visited.  As we walked through the church, I pointed out the huge marble statues of the saints which were situated about 100 feet above the floor.  I lamented not being able to read the names at the base of the statues.  The visitor told me that one was the statue of St. Francis, another was St. Dominic, etc.  I was amazed and asked how it was possible to see the names which were so far away.  He answered that the glasses he was wearing permitted him to see objects which were near and those which were far.  He could see things I was not able to see because of his eye glasses.

 

2) GOSPEL, MATTHEW 17:1-9

A) JESUS HELPS THE APOSTLES

Jesus led the three disciples up a high mountain and he was transfigured before them.  “His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light”.   He wanted to teach them that he was not only a man but was also God.

B) THE APOSTLES

The apostles were able to see that Jesus was no ordinary man.  He was also God.  They were able to hear the Father’s words. “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.  Listen to him.”

 

3) APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) JESUS HELPS US TO KNOW HIM BETTER

We can consider Lent as a time when Jesus takes up to a mountain. Though we cannot see Jesus as the apostles did, he is in our midst as he is present in his Church, in the bible, the Church’s teachings, and in the lives of holy people. 

B) WE SEE AND HEAR JESUS

We see Jesus when we see a priest celebrating Mass, when we read the bible, or attend the Stations of the Cross.  We see him when we help a poor, sick, or an unhappy person.  Jesus has said that when you help others, you are helping him.  We hear Jesus when we listen to the Mass homily, the words of the bishop, or the cry for help of someone in need.

 

4) CONCLUSION

The eye glasses helped the visitor to see the names of the saints in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Jesus helped the apostles to see that he was not only man but also God and that he was the Father’s beloved Son.  They should listen to him.  During Lent. Jesus also helps us to see that he is both God and man.  We should listen to him.

Video - Revelation chapter 8

 

Audio script

8/Revelation, Chapter Eight.

Revelation Chapter 8

1.       8:1-5 The golden censer

The angel offers the incense to God and then hurled it down to the earth.

2.      8:6-7 The first trumpet

When it was blown, hail and fire were hurled down to the earth with 1/3 of the land burned.

3.      8:8-9 The second trumpet

When it was blown, a large burning mountain was hurled into the sea with the sea turning red.

4.      8:10-11 The third trumpet

When it was blown, a burning star fell on the rivers making a 1/3 of the water bitter.

5.      8:12-13 Fourth trumpet and the eagle

When it was blown, ½ of the sun, moon and stars became dark.    An eagle announces woes to come.

Video - Revelation chapter 7

 

Audio script

7/Revelation, Chapter Seven.

Revelation Chapter 7

    

1.       6:12-17 Punishment of the persecutors

The 6^th seal symbolizes the terror of all peoples at the imminent divine judgment.

2.      7:1-3 The seal

Angels are not to damage the land until the angles have put the seal on the foreheads of God’s servants.

3.       7:4-8 The 144,000 sealed

The seals were applied to 144,000 who came from the 12 tribes of Israel (12,000 per tribe).

4.      7:9-12 Salvation of the righteous

A great multitude before God and the lamb saying, “salvation comes from our God.”

5.      7:13-17 The ones who survived

The ones wearing white garments are those who have survived many troubles.

Video - Revelation chapter 6

 

Audio script

6/Revelation, Chapter Six.

Revelation Chapter 6

1.      6:1-2 White horse

At the 1^st seal, a white horse, a rider with a bow appears.  This may signify a conquering power.

2.      6:3-4 Red horse

At the 2^nd seal, a red horse appears, a symbol of bloody war.

3.      6:5-6 Black horse

At the 3^rd seal, a black horse appears, a symbol of famine.

4.      6:7-8 Pale green horse

At the 4^th seal, a pale green horse, a symbol of death.  They were given power to kill 25% of earth.

5.      6:9-11 The altar

At the 5^th seal, Christian martyrs appear at an altar begging God for vindication and wearing white robes symbol of victory.

Video - Revelation chapter 5

 

Audio script

5/Revelation, Chapter Five.

Revelation Chapter 5

1.       5:1 Scroll

God holds a scroll written on both sides with seven seals.

2.      5:2-5 Who can open the scroll?

At first no one can open the scroll.  Then the lion of Judah was found to open it.

3.       5:6-8 The lamb

The lamb with seven horns (power) and seven eyes (knowledge) received the scroll from God.  He was able to open the scroll.  

4.      5:9-10 A new hymn

The elders sang a hymn saying the lamb was worthy to receive the scroll and to open it.

5.      5:11-14 Another hymn

Those in heaven sang another hymn singing:” To the one who sits on the throne and to the lamb be blessing forever and ever.”

 

Homily - 17A Sunday homily (30 July 2023) The pearl of great price

 

TOPIC: THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

1. STORY

Edward was single and about 36 years old when he met a woman named Wallis.  Though she had been married and divorced twice, he continued to see her.  Eventually they came to love each other deeply. When he was 42 years old, his father died.  His father was not an ordinary man as he was the King of England.  In January of 1936, Edward became Edward VIII, the King of England.  He declared his intention to marry Wallis, his pearl of great price. His family, the Church of England, and the British Parliament opposed this. King Edward VIII had to make a choice; either be king or marry Wallis.  He could not have both. I n December of 1936, Edward made his choice. He chose to marry Wallis and submitted his abdication which was accepted by Parliament the next day.  He became the only British monarch ever to resign voluntarily.  He chose his pearl, Wallis, over everything else.

 

2. GOSPEL, MATTHEW 13:44­-46

A) THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

There was a merchant who loved pearls and searched high and low for fine pearls.  To his great joy, he found one of great beauty which was so beautiful that he decided that he must buy it no matter what the cost. 

B) HE SOLD ALL HE HAD AND BOUGHT IT

He had to make a great sacrifice.  He sold all that he had to have enough money to buy his precious pearl.  He considered himself very fortunate in having the opportunity to buy what he so desired.  This purchase brought him great happiness.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A) MY PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

For some, health is the most important thing.  They eat carefully, exercise faithfully, and get enough sleep.  For others, money is most important.  They work hard, spend their money carefully, and save faithfully.  For others, happiness is number one.  Happiness for themselves, their family, and friends. In this parable, Jesus tells us that God should be number one in our lives, our precious pearl.  Why? The reason is that it is only God who can give us health.  He alone can give us strength to make money.He alone can give us happiness.  So in making God all important, we gain health, wealth, and happiness. 

B) WHAT MUST I DO WITH THIS GREAT TREASURE?

First, we must love God.  We must pray each day, both in the morning asking for help during the day and in the evening thanking him for his blessings.  We must be faithful in attending Sunday Mass where we hear the word of God and are able to receive the Eucharist.  We must read the bible or some spiritual book when time permits.  Secondly, we must love our neighbor.  We must be kind in our speech, patient in our attitude, and helpful in our actions.  We cherish this great treasure by loving God and by loving our neighbor.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Edward VII, king of England, discovered that his pearl of great price was his friend and future wife, Wallis Warfield Simpson. The price he had to pay was to give up the British throne and no longer be king.  The merchant in the parable sold all he had to purchase the pearl he wanted.  The parable teaches us that God should be our greatest desire and we show this by loving Him and our neighbor.  We pray for the grace to discover that God is truly our pearl of great price.