The English word “revelation” is translated from the Ancient Greek word “apokalypsis”, which these days conveys post-civilisation chaotic disorder. But its real meaning is “an unveiling” (in the Book of Revelation, the unveiling of Jesus in world affairs).
Notwithstanding this, many events in the Book of Revelation are worryingly chaotic and disorderly, so much so that the five-syllable Greek word is a good match.
The Book of Revelation has no fewer than seven beatitudes. The numeral seven is no surprise: it appears many times throughout the Book — which is why the number 666 stands out. The seven beatific blessings in the Book are as follows:
- Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it (Revelation 1:3).
- Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on (Revelation 14:13).
- Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame (Revelation 16:15).
- Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! (Revelation 19:9).
- Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).
- Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book (Revelation 22:7).
- Blessed are those who do His commandments that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city (Revelation 22:14).
Making it through seven churches, seven judgements, seven trumpets and seven plagues and arriving safely at Chapter 22 of the Book is a relief! But might not the terrifying events portrayed be the reason why our loving God inspired John to include seven beatific blessings?
We might not suffer for our faith as much as others suffer elsewhere, but God’s blessings are as welcome when times are so very ordinary, as well as when they are extraordinary. In both, the Lord’s beatific blessings encourage us to believe more and to do better. Because more than ever before, perhaps, we are living in times that really are changing.