[Greek] ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō), [Latin] revelare: to reveal, to disclose, to manifest, to make fully known, 32 scriptural references
St. Paul reminds us that suffering is oftentimes unavoidable or even inevitable for many of us. The more important question that must be revealed to each of us is: how do we respond to such suffering?
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to uncover, to reveal, to disclose, to draw aside, and to unmask. The Greeks regarded the gods as basic forms of reality, open and hidden.
Plato’s Protagoras 352a: “Come my good Protagoras, uncover some more of your thoughts.”
Plato’s Gorgias 455d: “Well, I will try, Socrates to reveal to you clearly the whole power of rhetoric.”
Plato’s Gorgias 460a: “For heaven’s sake, draw aside the veil and tell us what really is the function of rhetoric.”
Old Testament: This term means to reveal, to make known, to uncover, to lay bare, to unseal, to take away, and to remove. Yahweh is the living God who only reveals Himself when He wills it.
New Testament: This term means to reveal and to disclose. For purposes of brevity, I will reveal how this term impacts our human nature:
The concealed and secret coming from the kingdom must be revealed (even under persecution): Mt.10:26-33
- The Gospel message must be made known.
- The disciples must be fearless in making the message known.
- Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
- Have faith in God’s providence (even all the hairs on your head are counted).
- Everyone who acknowledges Jesus before others will be acknowledged by Jesus to the Father.
What has been revealed by the Father: Mt.11:25-27
- All things have been handed over to Jesus by the Father. No one knows the Father except the Son.
- The Father has revealed these things to the childlike (who have accepted the Father’s revelation).
- The Father has hidden these things to wise (scribes and Pharisees who have rejected Jesus’ preaching and mighty deeds).
What has been revealed to Simon (Peter):Mt.16:17-19
- Simon Peter claims that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
- Jesus stated that neither flesh and blood has revealed this to Simon (Peter).
- You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
- I will give you [Peter] the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
What has been revealed to Simeon: Lk.2:35
- You yourself [Mary] a sword will pierce (express sorrow).
- Mary will not be unaffected by others’ reactions to Jesus.
- The thoughts of many hearts (friends and enemies) may be revealed.
What has been revealed through Old Testament prophecy: Jn.12:38, 2Cor.2:10
- Isa.6:9:10: He blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they might not see and understand.
- Isa.643: God’s wisdom (His plan for our salvation) has been revealed to some, has been hidden to others.
What has been revealed to Paul: Rom.8:18
- This sufferings of this present are as nothing as compared with the glory to be revealed to us.
- The destiny of the created world is linked with the future that belongs to the believers.
- This world shares in the corruption brought about by sin.
- This world shares in the benefits of redemption and future glory.
- After patient endurance, the full harvest of the Spirit’s presence will be realized.
1Cor.3:13: Every man’s work (actions) will be made manifest. It will be revealed with fire and the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.
Php.3:15: Let us who are “perfectly mature” (trusting in God), adopt this attitude. If you have a different attitude (having a high opinion of oneself), this too God will reveal to you.
Conclusion:
Reveal, revelation, apocalypse, apocalyptic
In contrast to the fickle and capricious gods of Greek Hellenism, Yahweh is more intentional in dispensing His revelation.
The simple and childlike are often more receptive to receiving the Father’s revelation. Peter’s revelation indicates his pre-eminent status as the leader of the Apostles. Mary continues to be an intercessor for the thoughts and pleas of others. It is very important to remember that our current worldly struggles and suffering pale in comparison to the later eternal weight of glory that will come. It is also important to note that like the Galatians, we are the heirs of Abraham’s promise.
It is interesting to note that this term is not found in Revelation.
The notion of being taken possession by Christ runs contrary to the prevailing values of this post-Christian secular world. Each one of us will be judged by our actions before God. Even when many of us think we can do what ever we want (because we have the “right to do so”), we cannot escape judgment from God.
Update: It clearly has been revealed that President Biden is a divider rather than a unifier for the American people.
It is evident that perhaps many of us do not realize that we may only live a very short time (”a drop in the bucket”) of existence in this world. We can often fail to consider the eternal consequences of our actions.
Many of us perhaps have not really considered we will ultimately be accountable for our sinful actions (abortion, euthanasia, transgenderism, gay marriage, etc.) before God. Oftentimes, we cannot see the spiritual (moral) consequences of their actions.
It has become evident that universities and colleges have become being breeding grounds for anti-Semitism, Marxism, pro-Hamas terrorist leanings, culture cancel, and affirmative action.
It is very revealing that some media groups, politicians, and students will still promote a false and unverified narrative (Israel bombing Gaza hospitals) if it can serve to criticize Israel.
It has become evident to many that silence on the Hamas terrorist acts may be likened to tacit support for Hamas.
A Catholic understanding of the meaning of suffering can become very helpful in providing perspective on suffering and persecution in relationship with God (Jesus).
Faith and trust, although at many times often difficult to have, are essential during difficulties.
Mary can continue to be an intercessor through which she can bring our petitions to her Son.
Pope Francis and his inner circle have unilaterally claimed that Jesus’ Church has now become a synodal Church filled with further liturgical chaos. They will have to account for themselves before God for their actions in re-making Jesus’ Church into a worldly synodal Church in man’s image!
“He who thinks that he has attained everything has nothing.” Archbishop John Chrysosotom