Reflections on the Adult Forum Series on the Book of Revelation
Mention of the Book of Revelation immediately brings to my mind uncomfortable images of Satan along with depictions of apocalyptic battles between good and evil. My preference is the comfort of scripture depicting Jesus’s Love and Grace, sharing God’s gifts with those less fortunate, and hymns of praise. So when I heard a few months ago the Book of Revelation was the Spring Forum topic, I approached Father Dion with the question why the “Book of the Apocalypse” during this chaotic moment in time when we are currently seeking calm. His answer was - “why not?” and let’s talk if it is not clear after the series. As we enter into the final two weeks of this Forum Series, I offer some brief reflections.
My first reflection is how this series illustrates we are blessed with many talented members of our parish family. Fr. Dion skillfully created a syllabus of discussions, led primarily by our clergy and parishioners, guiding us through our interpretation of the Book of Revelation. The casual, family-style setting in Parish Hall with its audio-visual system creates a wonderful environment for the forum series.
Visual and musical artists can provide valuable insight into our interpretation of the written word. Tom May led us in a discussion on visual interpretations of Revelation that left me regretting I never had the opportunity to have him as a professor at St. John’s. He also added a new item to my bucket list - a visit to York Minster’s Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in Europe, with 311 panels depicting the Book of Revelation. It’s the size of a tennis court and miraculously survived the bombings of World War II.
Ernie Green and Larry Molinaro led a discussion on musical interpretations of Revelation. They are not only outstanding musicians but also scholars of religious music. Included in their various recordings was an orchestral interpretation written in a World War II prison camp with its first performance played by the camp’s prisoners.
Fr. Dion was right on point when he indicated the answer to my questions would be clear at the conclusion of the series. I now believe the Book of Revelation is a call to faithfulness through the understanding of God and Christ’s victory over evil. It is a calming message of hope and encouragement for those who believe God has a plan for each and every one of us no matter what chaos may seem to be hovering around us personally and within our community. Everything will ultimately be fine if we maintain our faith and model the Love and Grace of Jesus.
It’s is a wonderful time to be an Episcopalian in the USA. The Bible spans centuries, much of which was spent in times of severe religious persecution. That is not the case for us right now at St. Anne’s. We can practice our faith without the fear of persecution. We are free to serve the Lord and do all such good works as He has prepared us to do. Thanks be to God!
Reflection from a St. Anne’s Parishioner