What Is the Apocalypse? — Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the apocalyptic themes found in late November's Gospel readings, focusing on Jesus' prophecy of the temple's destruction and the cosmic upheaval that would follow. The speaker explains that taking these passages literally is problematic, as they did not occur as described in the first century. Instead, the speaker suggests that the 'apocalypse' refers to a 'revelation' or 'unveiling' of hidden truths. The speaker interprets the sun, moon, and stars as symbols of the guiding principles that give people a sense of direction and order. The speaker concludes by relating the message to the Resurrection of Jesus, which challenged the established order and principles, offering a new spiritual GPS for Christians to navigate life.

Takeaways

• 🕍 The Gospel readings during late November often focus on apocalyptic themes, reflecting the darker and shorter days of the season.
• 🌆 The temple in Jerusalem was central to Jewish life, symbolizing a combination of significant American institutions like the White House, Capitol, and National Cathedral.
• 🗣️ Jesus' prophecy of the temple's destruction was unexpected and shocking to his disciples, akin to predicting the end of a cherished national monument.
• 🌌 The apocalyptic language used by Jesus, including the darkening of the sun and the falling of stars, is not to be taken literally but symbolizes a great upheaval.
• 🔮 The term 'apocalypse' derives from 'apokalypsis', meaning 'unveiling', suggesting the revelation of hidden truths rather than the end of the world.
• 🧭 The sun, moon, and stars in ancient times were used for navigation and orientation, similar to modern GPS systems.
• 🌪️ The 'shaking of the heavenly hosts' refers to the disruption of the spiritual and societal structures that governed people's lives.
• ✝️ The death and resurrection of Jesus unveiled the ultimate truth that God's love is more powerful than death and worldly institutions.
• 🛑 The resurrection of Jesus challenged the prevailing principles that death is final and absolute, offering a new perspective on life and death.
• 🌟 For Christians, the message of the apocalypse is a call to live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than the old assumptions and institutions.

Q & A

What is the significance of the temple in the context of the Gospel reading?

The temple was the center of Jewish life, seen as the dwelling place of the Lord, and was a wonder of the ancient world due to its size and decoration. It represented national and religious identity for the Jews.

Why is Jesus' prediction about the temple's destruction surprising to his disciples?

Jesus' prediction is unexpected because the disciples, filled with awe and a sense of identity in front of the magnificent temple, would not anticipate such a dire outcome for a place they held in high regard.

What is the meaning of 'apocalyptic' in the context of the Gospel reading?

The term 'apocalyptic' refers to the unveiling or revealing of hidden truths, often associated with end times or significant upheavals. It does not literally mean the end of the world but rather a disclosure of deeper truths.

How does the speaker suggest we should interpret the apocalyptic language in the Gospel?

The speaker advises against taking the apocalyptic language literally, as it would lead to the conclusion that Jesus was a false prophet. Instead, it should be understood as a metaphor for upheaval and the revelation of deeper truths.

What does the imagery of the sun, moon, and stars being darkened or falling symbolize?

This imagery symbolizes a loss of orientation and the upheaval of the familiar systems and structures that guide people's lives, much like how GPS systems guide us today.

How does the speaker relate the concept of 'apocalypse' to the death and resurrection of Jesus?

The speaker relates 'apocalypse' to the death and resurrection of Jesus by suggesting that these events revealed the ultimate truth that God's love is more powerful than death and the societal structures that rely on the fear of death.

What is the significance of the resurrection in the context of the 'apocalyptic' message?

The resurrection signifies the ultimate 'apocalypse' or unveiling, as it challenges the finality and power of death and the societal structures that uphold it, thereby shaking the very foundations of the world's understanding.

How does the speaker suggest Christians should live in light of the 'apocalyptic' message?

The speaker suggests that Christians should live guided by the Holy Spirit rather than the old assumptions and institutions, as they have experienced the revelation of the resurrection's truth.

What is the relevance of the 'apocalyptic' message for the speaker's contemporary audience?

The message is relevant as it challenges the audience to reassess their reliance on worldly structures and to instead seek guidance from a spiritual 'GPS' that aligns with the truths revealed through Jesus' resurrection.

Why does the speaker mention the 'Left Behind' series in the context of apocalyptic literature?

The speaker mentions the 'Left Behind' series to illustrate the enduring fascination with apocalyptic themes and to show that such interests are not limited to ancient times but are also prevalent in modern society.