The Merging of Horizons

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Rv 11:4-12; PS 144:1, 2, 9-10; Lk 20:27-40
Notes: The destruction of Jerusalem was terrifying. The power of God is mightier.

Traditional memory of Egypt, Sodom and Babylon receive new reflection and insights in the Book of Revelations. In fact, all of the historical memory of Abraham, Lot, Moses, Joshua, Babylon, Egypt, Emperor Nero, and Antiochus IV Epiphanes (to name but a few) are reengaged in a massive historical recapitulation of experience.

That is to say, the then present time of John is given new insight by and from the past.
The revelation of Jesus Christ, Priest and King, [on earth/risen] and then via the Holy Spirit [present], brings new hope and a new horizon. These together, we reformulate what we know and can rely upon.

This is called The Merging of Horizons.

Time and Future

• What has been.
• What is now.
• What will be.

The Merging of Horizons

History and the future are recalibrated based on the current time, the current understanding and the reengagement of the past. Harmonizing to the truth and discarding poorly formed beliefs.

John’s conclusions

• We survived.
• We are loved.
• We will thrive.
• We will rise again.
• The resurrection has always been the promised final end regardless of the life’s experience.
• God has conquered death, principalities and powers.

The Merging of Horizons

This is the meaning of: (resurrection)
But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them. When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, “Come up here.” So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on.

This is the meaning of: (resurrection)
That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

First reading
The Two Witnesses.
Here are my two witnesses:
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

The olive trees refer to Zerubbabel and Joshua.
The two lampstands: the martyrs who stand in the presence of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Alleluia Verse
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Gospel Portion
That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Some of the scribes said in reply, “Teacher, you have answered well.” And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

Recalibrate your horizon.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry