Yesterday marked the 48th anniversary of the opening of Vatican Council II, Oct 11, 1962. I was a young monk then, a senior in college. The news was contagious for us young seminarians, enthused about novelties in the church. I still appreciate the teaching and changes this Council brought to our churches.
Yesterday was the opening of the working sessions of the Synod on the Middle East. Pope Benedict boldly spoke of false divinities of our times, reflecting apocalyptical literature of the New Testament. At the time of the composition of this literature, Christians were afflicted and even persecuted by a society dominated by political/economical powers and ideologies of the Roman Empire e Greek civilization, proclaiming their divinities. There were circulating philosophies, false prophets preaching their world vision in the name of religion. The last book of the New Testament reflects the followers of the Risen Lord addressing these forces, and proclaiming the Good News that the true God, who raised Jesus from the dead, reigns. The victory is certain. Evil forces have their termination. The communities of followers can celebrate the victory of the Lamb of God.
In Pope Benedict´s address to the 185 bishops gathered in Rome for the Synod to discuss the mission and witness of Christians in the Middle East, he denounces anonymous forces of financial interest, promoters of terrorist violence and drug-traffickers. He reveals them as ideologies imposing themselves as divinities that enslave man.
I appreciated this news from Rome. Just last week I gave some classes on the Apocalypse of John. This world news helps bring home the importance of this rather complicate part of the Bible. The Bible is not a futuristic reading of the world, but unmasking dominating values, ideologies and practices that are contrary to the revelation of the God of Life.
Have a good day. Blessings.
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