Tools4evangelization

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Video - Revelation chapter 11

Audio script

11/Revelation, Chapter Eleven.

Revelation Chapter 11

1. 11:1-2 Measure the temple

The earthly temple (outer court not measured) is destroyed. The heavenly temple (inner court) exists.

2. 11:3-6 Two witnesses

Elijah (No rain) and Moses (plagues) are the two witnesses that is the 2 olive trees and two lampstands.

3. 11:7-14 Death and life of the two witnesses

The anti-christ (beast) killed Christians who rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.

4. 11:15-18 The 7^th trumpet

It proclaims the coming of God’s reign and the punishment of evil doers and the general judgment.

5. 11:19 The ark of the covenant

This is an extraordinary manifestation of God who is now manifest to all.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Video - Revelation chapter 10

Audio script

10/Revelation, Chapter Ten.

Revelation Chapter 10

1. 10:1-3 An angel and a small scroll

An angel held a small scroll. His right foot was on the sea and left foot on the land.

2. 10:4-6 Don’t write down the message

John was told not to write down what the 7 thunders had said. God’s plan will be fulfilled.

3. 10:7 Mysterious plan of God

This mystery is evil will be put down and the coming of the reign of God when all creation will be made new.

4. 10:8-9 Swallow the scroll

John received a scroll. He was to eat it. It would be sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach.

Sweet = victory of God’s people

Sour = sufferings of people

5. 10:10-11 Sour and sweet

It was sweet because it meant the final victory of God’s people and bitter because of the sufferings of God’s people.

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.