# The blessing of reading the Book of Revelation
*2019-06-19*

> Bill Young reflects on the opening verses of the Book of Revelation and shares his plan to read the text aloud with his community to seek the blessing promised in scripture.

## Reflections on the End Times

I was recently hearing news reports about California having a thousand small earthquakes, and it got me thinking about the thousand-year reign and the end of time. Of course, we know that no one knows the exact day or hour; as Jesus said, only the Father knows that information. I have read the Book of Revelation before, and I have heard portions of it during the liturgy at church, but recently I started reading the first chapter again with a new perspective.

## The Promise of Blessing

As I looked at the words of Revelation 1:1-3, it really struck me. The text says, 'The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants what must soon take place,' and that it was made known through an angel to the servant John. But the part I found most interesting is verse 3: 'Blessed is he who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, who keep what is written therein, for the time is near.'

## A Community Reading Goal

This inspired a goal for our upcoming meetings. We usually spend our time going over Father Michael Gaitley's book and DVD series, 'You Did It to Me,' which focuses on mercy in action and doing for the least of our brothers and sisters what we do for Jesus. In addition to that, I want to gather the members of the Legion of Mary and any newcomers to read the Book of Revelation aloud. My hope is that by taking turns reading and listening, we can all receive the blessing mentioned in the scripture.

## Encouragement for Families

While we are doing this as a group at St. David's Catholic Church, I think this would be a wonderful practice for families to do at home. You could read a page or two a night. It would be a great opportunity for young people to look up the definitions of words or the history and locations of the cities mentioned in the text to increase their knowledge.

*There is a special blessing reserved for those who read the prophecies of Revelation aloud and for those who listen to them.*