It always amazes me when I hear Christians talk about the Book of Revelations in a way that seems to suggest they can’t get over the vivid, and at times, puzzling symbolism and foreboding omens.

Granted, it’s quite a read and quite a book to end the Christian library with but the thing to remember is that the final verses point to the most glorious of all possible endings for the human, the Christian story, a troubled blessed arc that stretches from Genesis to the Apocalypse and ultimately the New Jerusalem when God will be in everything and be everything.

For me, parts of this striking scripture clearly point to the Mass and its eternal liturgy. And while much of the news is dominated by fear and loathing, there is also hope and resilience in abundance. Cometh the hour, cometh the generation.

Two clips from the World Youth gathering in Rome…