Twelve

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Twelve

Tribes     Foundation

Naming     Inscribing     Radiating

God Gave It Light

Revelation

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Revelation 21:10 to 14; 22 to 23

The angel lifted me in spirit to a wonderful, high mountain and laid before me the sacred city Jerusalem coming right out of heaven from God.

It radiated with the splendor of God.

Its reflection was like that of a special stone, like jasper, transparent as crystal.

It had a huge, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were watching and on which names were written, the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.

There were three gates pointing east, three north, three south, and three west.

The wall of the city had twelve layers of stones as its foundation, on which were written the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

I looked for the temple in the city but could not find it; its only temple is God and the Lamb.

The city did not need sun or moon for radiance, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.

Reflection

It's all about the Light!

In a world where there seems to be a lot of darkness, confusion, hatred, and violence, where can we turn for Light? 

The author of Revelation has some ideas for us. The first one is a vision of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem was the center of religious life for the Jewish people. They would go there on pilgrimage with their friends and family. It was their place to celebrate all the major feasts and holy days.

The number twelve in our reading is so important because it represents the twelve tribes of Israel. They were the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob. As such they represent the fulfillment of the promise that God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God was and is faithful!

This tradition is continued by Jesus as He selected twelve apostles. These apostles spread the Good News of Jesus---the Kingdom of God is here.

It is that Kingdom that gives Light as there is no temple but the Lamb will provide the Light. When we keep our focus on Jesus and try to follow Him in our love for each other, we can overcome the darkness.

We have seen this over and over in our days. We witness time and time again so many people respond with generosity and care after horrible tragedies.

There is something deep within us that says I want to radiate Light. I will not let the darkness rule over me and have the last word.

This is the revelation. Yes there will be challenges. Yes there will be obstacles. Our world is far from perfect.

In the midst of these struggles Jesus, the Lamb who was sacrificed, will lead us to a Kingdom of Light!

1. Where do you turn for Light?

2. What does the number twelve signify for you?

3. How can you spread the Light in your community?

4. What do you feel as you contemplate Kathy's photo?