The Roman government obliterated the city of Jerusalem in 78 AD, and then destroyed the place of Jesus’ death and resurrection. But, the followers of Christ were able to recall and venerate this locale even with the destruction. 

Our second reading this Sunday from Revelation (21:1-5a) begins with some very powerful words and beautiful passage of eternal hope: “Then I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race…” 

These words had to be encouraging and filled with hope for a people who have lived in a very corrupt time, a pagan time, and under the despotism of the Roman authority and culture. These words speak to the new creation of God, for His people, and for their eternal salvation. God shall heal us. He shall nourish us. He shall care for us both physically and spiritually—in the material world and in the world to come. 

These words, powerful for the people of the day, are also powerful for us in the pews today. If we are suffering pain from the loss of a loved one. If there is pain due to illness or dysfunction; if a marriage is breaking apart and “our worlds” with it If we are at our wits’ end and feel there is no safe harbor to turn to, and the storms of life will destroy us, then we should pray these words with hope. Our God is among us, He shall not abandon us, and His Love is unending and enduring – and all things shall be healed.   

These words, on a wider scale of the current human condition, can also strengthen us in the United States fearing a culture in decline due to a loss of traditions and cultural norms as well as for people of the world in the midst of starvation, wars and brutal corruption that are seen in Africa, Ukraine and elsewhere when humanity is infected with greed and hatred. May they too be a part of our prayer for the fullness of the beautiful words of Revelation today. For His rain and sun falls on the whole world.