In this episode, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan continues to explore the message to the church in Laodicea. The Lord said that he could not tolerate the church being lukewarm and that He would “spit” it out like tepid water. The city of Laodicea is wealthy and they are worldly, accepting everything but the will of God.

Jesus says to them: “You are wretchedly and pitiably poor.” This means that they are spiritually poor; they are blind and do not see or acknowledge their problems. He also says that they are naked which means they are lacking in grace. They are grounded in the world and don’t even have a foot in the Kingdom of God. The Lord wants to give them healing in their eyes and the robes of grace because He loves them despite their actions. He tells them that it is time to turn around and fix their eyes on Heaven.

The Lord waits for us to open our hearts to Him; He is always calling His people. God gives His mercy to the very last second to those who truly repent. His mercy is beyond comprehension, His love is incomparable; it's inexplicable, it's eternal, it's infinite. Everybody is invited to share in His banquet but it is up to us to accept the invitation and come to the table.

Bible References:

• Rev. 3:14-22 - Message to the church in Laodicea
• Ps. 49 - Even though you will own plenty, you will be herded into Sheol
• Rev. 3:18 - “You need to get gold from me”
• Heb. 12:5-6 - The Lord corrects those He loves and punishes those who He calls sons
• Rev. 3:20 - “I am standing at the door knocking”
• Luke 22:29 - “I confer upon you a kingdom…”
• 1 John 4:7 - God is love
• Ps. 145:17 - God can only ever act out of love
• John 16:33 - “Take heart, I have overcome the world”
• John 15:5 - “Without Me, you can do nothing”
• Phil. 4:13 - “I can do all things, in Christ who gives me strength.”

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan continues to explain the message to the church in Philadelphia. Jesus said to them that they would become pillars in the sanctuary of God and acknowledge them in the presence of His Father. He says that they will have the name of God registered on their forehead; they will become citizens of the new Jerusalem. This is the mark of God.

We are given this invisible mark of God in Baptism and confirmed at the Sacrament of Confirmation but, if we sully our baptismal robes then we are in danger of the mark not being recognized at all. If we discard the baptismal robes, then we will be forced to take the mark of the beast.

Here we also see the worldly church of Laodicea - the exact opposite of Philadelphia. The city was wealthy, it had a large Jewish population and temples to pagan gods and emperor worship. Jesus comes to them as the “Amen”, the Fiat of God, the One who says yes to everything in God’s will; He comes to challenge the church of Laodicea where idolatry, emperor worship, and everybody else’s will takes precedence. The church was lukewarm like the tepid water that flowed into the city. The message to this church is that they must find the truth and Jesus is the truth!

Bible References:

• Rev. 3:12 - The pillars will stand
• Jer. 1:18 - He would be a pillar to stand up against those in authority
• Gal. 2:9 - St. Paul refers to other apostles as the pillars of the church
• 1 Tim. 3:15 - Church is the pillar of truth
• Rev. 3:6 - Message to Sardis
• Matt. 10:32 - Declare the name of the Lord and He will stand by you
• Is. 65:15 - “My servants will be given a new name…”
• Rev. 3:14-22 - Message to the church in Laodicea 
• Col. 4: 12-17 - St. Paul’s mention of Laodicea 
• 2 Cor. 1:20-21 - St. Paul’s mention of “The Amen”
• John 14:6 - “I am the way…”
• Rom. 12:11 - “Never be lacking in zeal…”

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains the message sent to the church in Philadelphia - a faithful witness of God. Jesus says that He is the one who holds the key of David; He is the king and what He says is going to happen. Though the church in Philadelphia is small and appears to be helpless, they are not helpless spiritually. The church in Philadelphia reflects what the Lord wants; God says that he is going to open a door of mission for them. This also means that He has prepared the hearts of the people they go to - He prepares the missionaries and the field that is to be harvested.

Though the door of the synagogue is closed for the church in Philadelphia, the doors of heaven are opened. The people of the world will acknowledge that they are people of God, chosen by Him to do His work. We also see a warning in the message: if we reject the grace of the covenant of Jesus, if we forgo our place at Jesus’ table, there are thousands of others who will take our place.

The Lord has said that carrying the cross and bearing suffering is part of our mission; this is true for the church in Philadelphia for whom God has opened the doors of mission. They are told about the three waves of tribulation and they are called to carry the cross. For the joy of the new era, let us endure the tribulation so that we can go to the Lord as a bride with her dazzling white robes. Jesus tells His church: I am coming soon.

Bible References:

• Rev. 3:7-13 - Message to the church in Philadelphia
• Lv. 19:2 - You shall be holy because I am holy
• Is. 12:6 or Is. 40:25 - The Holy One of Israel
• Is. 22:22 - The holder of the key of David
• John 3:35 - The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands
• 2 Cor. 12:9 - My power works best in weakness
• Is. 45:14 - Gentiles will bow before the Jews
• Luke 14:15-24 - Parable of the great supper
• Matt. 16:24-27 - Redemption through suffering
• Heb. 12:1-4 - Jesus, a model for carrying the cross
• Amos 3:7 - God never does anything without telling his people first
• 1 Cor. 9:24-27 - Eyes on the prize

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

In this episode, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan dives into Chapter 3 of the Book of Revelation; here we see the message to the church of Sardis. The city was wealthy and the people here only wanted to enjoy life - it was lazy and easy-going and they felt very secure. There are serious consequences to the way they live and the decisions they make. Sardis’ wealth is their problem and there are grave dangers in making the self rich. Sardis does not obey God with regard to its wealth and in caring for the poor. Jesus comes to them holding the seven spirits of God in his hands; these are the seven angels.

Faith burning with love is the way Christians become the Menorah in the presence of God; if we are not living this way, then we have to face the judgment of God. The church in Sardis was not persecuted because it was too lazy to live the Christian life; it was too worldly as a result of its wealth. If they continue like this, the Lord will come like “a thief in the night” when they have no guards on duty and there is nobody to warn the city.

We are also told that there is a small remnant in Sardis who have not sullied their baptismal robe, they will be given a white robe to enter into the Kingdom of God.

Bible References:

• Rev. 3:1-6 - Message to the church in Sardis
• Luke 12:13-21 - The grave danger of making the self rich
• Luke 12: 22-32 - Trust God who looks after His creation
• Luke 12: 33-34 - Sell your possessions and give alms
• Jm. 4:13-17 - A warning to the rich
• Ezk. 37 - Valley of the dry bones
• 2 Tim. 3:1-5 - Description of the spiritually dead church
• Rom. 13:11-14 - A message for anyone facing the judgment
• Jm. 2:17 - Faith if not accompanied by action is dead
• 1 Cor. 16:13 - Stand firm in the faith
• Matt. 24:37 - Our time is going to be like the time of Noah
• Matt. 22:42-44 - A thief in the night
• Heb. 12:14 - Nothing unholy can enter the presence of God
• 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1 - St. Paul’s message to come out of the sinful situation to enter heaven
• Lv. 19:2 - You shall be holy because I am holy
• Is.35:8-10 - Only the redeemed can enter Heaven

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan, reads through the message to the church in Thyatira from the Book of Revelation Chapter 2 Verse 18 onwards. This was a city without emperor worship but there were temples to Apollo and Artemis. Jesus comes to Thyatira as the Son of God with eyes like blazing fire and feet like burnished bronze; He sees and judges everything in truth. Thyatira passed all the tests - charity, faith, devotion, constancy, and suffering but they also had temples to Apollo and Artemis which meant there were secret sins of idolatry and immorality. If they want to escape judgment, they have to face their secret. 

The Lord has given us the tribunal of mercy - the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It’s the only tribunal where the sinner confesses and receives Divine Mercy. If we don’t go to the tribunal of mercy, we have to go to the tribunal of justice. In this church, we see a false woman prophet by the name Jezebel who draws the people to idolatry and sin. She has refused any correction from the shepherds of the church; this means that she will face trials and difficulties to bring her around to God. Jesus says that faithful believers have the wisdom to keep away from “satan’s secrets”. 

The spiritual authority of a saint is more permanent than any worldlings; it is passive and lasts for generations to come. When Jesus says that He will rule with an iron scepter, He means that it is for eternity. They will receive the Morning Star (Jesus) in their hearts.

Bible References:

• Is. 62:6 and Is 65:15 - The people of God will receive a new name
• Rev. 2:18-29 - Message to the church in Thyatira 
• Act 16 - Lydia, Paul’s convert, was from Thyatira
• Rev. 1:14-15: Jesus comes as the Son of God
• Ezek. 8:2 - The Lord brought the prophet into the temple to see the secret sins
• 2 Thess. 2:7- The mystery of inequity was at work
• 1 Ki. 16 and 2 Ki, 9 - Jezebel, the infamous wife of King Ahab
• Matt. 28:20 - I will be with you even to the very end
• Ps. 139 - The Lord knows everything
• Ps. 2:8-9 - Dominion has been given to the Messiah
• Dan. 7:27 - Sovereignty is given to the people of God
• Ps. 49:11 - Worldly possessions mean nothing
• 2 Pet. 1:19 - Morning star rises in our hearts

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Irish Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, reads the message Jesus give to the church in Pergamum - an important power base for religion and politics. This was a place with many temples, including one for the emperor and one for the snake god; there was a medical school attached to the temple of the snake god where they claimed many false miracles. This was where satan was enthroned and the seat of the Roman government in the area.

The challenge for this church is that they have to be faithful. Throughout this apocalypse, we will see that God’s power is greater than any other power. We will also see that God’s rights are much greater than Caesar’s. St. Paul reminds us time and again that we cannot allow satan a foothold in any way in our lives because if we do, destruction will follow. Satan knows exactly how to bring the people of God down. If we are to receive the Stephanos, we have to be like the one we worship.

Repentance is what is required for the church in Pergamum; you can’t have immorality and hope to see God. The sacrificial part of Jesus’ life is over and the ruling part takes over. Instead of hell’s food, Jesus feeds us with Himself - “He is our Manna.” Here the white stone is offered to you and you are ready to enter the Kingdom of God.

Bible References:

Rev. 2:12-17 - The message to the church in Pergamum

Heb. 4:12 - The description of Jesus - a double-edged sword that cuts through everything

Rev. 17:14 - Romans don’t realize that they are trying to destroy the King of Kings

Rev. 11 - Jesus will destroy the destroyers of the earth

Rev. 1:5 - Jesus is the faithful one

Num. 25 - People of God travel through the wilderness and reach Moab. Balak tried to get the people cursed.

Lev. 19:2 - “You shall be holy, for I am holy”

1 John 5:21 - “Be on your guard against false Gods”

1 Cor. 10:19-22 - St. Paul warns the Christians against going to the Pagan temples

Matt. 5:8 - Only the pure in heart will see God

Amos 1:2 - “When the Lion roars, who will not help to feel afraid.”

John 6 - “He is our Manna”

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

We continue to reflect on the messages to the churches in this episode with Irish Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan. We see God speaking to the church in Smyrna through St. John. In modern times, this is Izmer in Turkey. 

This is a church that is in good shape and Jesus is telling the church that it is going to face persecution and martyrdom. The city was founded, destroyed, and rebuilt; Jesus identifies the city as the one who has died and risen again; they are materially poor but spiritually rich. 

The true source of anything that tries to destroy the church is satan. Whoever chooses darkness and hate becomes an instrument of satan. The church is told to expect a 10-day trial to see if they are heaven-worthy and can be given the Stephanos.

So, what are we to do in the face of persecution? 

1. Be faithful until death
2. Bear witness to the one who bore witness before all the world on a cross

Jesus won us the crown of glory because he accepted the crown of thorns. Jesus says to the church in Smyrna that they will not have to face the second death if they pass the trials. We all have two births, two deaths, and two resurrections. 

Bible References:

• Rev. 2:8-11 - Message to the church in Smyrna
• Col. 3:1-4 - Look to heavenly things
• Dan. 3 - The three men in the fiery furnace
• Luke 21:12-18 - At the time of persecution, we are to bear witness
• Acts 7 - St. Stephen, the first martyr of the church, bears witness to the Sanhedrin
• Acts 24 - St. Paul bears witness to a very hostile Jew and Gentile audience
• Phil. 3 - St.Paul is running for the prize for which Christ called him
• Rev. 2:11 - If you are capable of listening, listen
• Rev. 2:12-17 - The message to the church in Pergamum

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

In this episode, we explore Chapter 2 of the Book of Revelation with Irish Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan. We see what Jesus does in his discernment about the health of the church. There is going to be a new era of the Kingdom of God on earth, a time when the “Our Father” will be fulfilled and God’s will take place on earth.

The messages to the 7 churches deal with the daily life of that particular church; it deals with the decisions and the consequences that follow. The message comes from Christ and it is delivered to St. John; through him, it is given to the congregation. They all begin with “Thus says the Lord…” and ends with an exhortation.

We see that each church is different and receives an individual message; an aspect of Jesus’ vision mentioned in Chapter 1 is reflected in each of the churches (presenting the mystery of Christ to the world) St. Paul urged Ephesus to reach perfection in love; St. Timothy and St. John urged them to do the same. The Blessed Mother was also brought to live here until her Assumption. Despite their leadership in love, this is what Ephesus fails in - love. 

The essence of Christianity is love and Jesus who was incarnate love will not support a loveless body.

Bible References:

• Rev. 19:8 - The church has made herself ready
• John 14:1-2 - The Jewish wedding where the bridegroom would go away and then come back to bring his bride
• Eph. 6 - Fight the good fight wearing all the armor of Christ
• Acts 19, 20 - St. Paul, the missionary of love
• Eph. 3:14-21 - St. Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus 
• 1 Tim. 1:3 - St. Timothy was a Bishop to Ephesus 
• Rev. 1:18 - Jesus is the living one and Ephesus is the dead one
• Matt. 18:20 - If two gather in Jesus’ name, He will be present in their midst
• Rev. 1:14 - The burning eyes of Jesus
• Acts 20:17-28 - St. Paul’s warning to the church in Ephesus
• Acts 20:28 - “Be on your guard”
• Jer. 2:2 - Jeremiah’s lamentation when they lacked love in the Old Testament
• Hos. 2:14-15 - Lamentation over lost first love
• 1 John 4:7 - God is love
• Matt. 24:9-13 - Love is the greatest law
• John 13:34 - Jesus commanded us to love one another
• John 15:9 - Agape love
• Jer. 2:13, Hos. 2:15, Jg. 8:34 - When people forget God, they fall into immorality and idolatry
• 2 Cor. 11:14-15 - False prophets
• John 16:33 - “I have overcome the world” 

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

This is the inaugural vision that sets the drama of this whole book. Irish Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, continues to explain Chapter 1 of the Book of Revelation. Reading from Chapter 1: Verses 9 to 20, Frances Hogan explains how this is a vision of Christ in glory and it sets the perspective for the rest of the book. 

St. John, a Jew, writes from a penal colony with the Temple of Jerusalem and all associated with it in mind. He refers to the Old Testament for imagery so that the Jewish people understand the context. God gives the same imagery to St. John as Daniel so that he would recognize the signs and symbols. St. John starts receiving these visions on a Sunday when he was in prayer; he first hears a voice like a trumpet (a sound for warnings.)

It is the duty of a priest to blow the trumpet and St. John does exactly that as a priest who is looking out for God’s people. The seven cities mentioned here - Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Philadelphia, Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea - are a part of West Asia evangelized by St. Paul and his team. St. John sees seven 7-branched lampstands and a person at the center of it. St. John, the beloved disciple and the one closest to Jesus sees the person similar to Daniel’s vision hundreds of years ago - a vision of Christ in eternal glory!

St. John reacts in the same way that Moses, Daniel, and Ezekiel reacted to their visions - fainted in horror, awe, and wonder. 

Bible References:

• John 2:19-22 - Jesus is the new spiritual temple
• Rev. 1:9 - St. John writes from the penal colony of Patmos
• Dan. 8, 9, and 10 - Daniel speaks about the “Son of Man”
• Dan. 7:9-14 - Same description of Christ that St. John gives in the Book of Revelation
• Joel 2:1 - A trumpet sound is a warning sound
• Matt. 28:20 - Go out into the whole world and make disciples
• Dan. 13 and 10:6 - A vision of the Son of Man
• Exod. 28:4 or Exod. 29:5 - The priests were robed in white
• John 19:23 - When Jesus was stripped on Calvary, they found Him in a priestly robe; the long white garment
• 1 Macc. 10:89 - The golden girdle representing His royalty
• Ps. 104:2 - Wrapped in a robe of light
• 1 John 1:5 - God is light
• Ps. 139:7 - The Lord us knows everything
• Dan. 12:3 - Stars represent the people of God
• John 5: 45 - 46 - Jesus speaks to the leadership of Israel

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/

Jesus is the one who gives us the grace and peace from God. Irish Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan continues to explain Chapter 1 of the Book of Revelation. She begins with St. John’s description of Jesus as a faithful witness. Jesus paid for our redemption with His blood at the price of His precious life and it is incumbent upon us to respond with gratitude so that we can allow the redemption to happen. 

With Jesus’ coming, the whole world is going to go into mourning. St. John gives us a solemn warning: if we don’t take our place at God’s table, then He will invite another. We are called to recognize Him before His glorious return. The Lord allows for trials and tribulations because He wants saints and martyrs. St. John explains that suffering is part of our growth and that satan is utterly determined to destroy Jesus’ Church when it is vulnerable. Satan would sow a bad seed among the good seed.

The Lord is with and continues to reveal Himself through His angels, messengers, and true teachers. Jesus is present among us and with the church at all times. St. John wants to convey that the grace released on Calvary will trickle down to the generations over a period of time becoming deeper and deeper despite satan’s relentless effort to destroy the Church.

Bible References:

• Rev. 1:5-6 - The faithful witness… He has washed away our sins…
• John 18:37 - St. John bore witness to who Christ was when He was challenged at the trial for His life.
• Col. 1:18 - Jesus is the firstborn from the dead
• Dan. 7:27 - The eternal sovereignty
• Zech. 12:8 - Those who pierced Him, will see Him clearly
• Isa. 41:4 and Isa. 44:6 - God is the alpha and the omega; Yahweh Sabaoth
• Matt. 13:31-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed
• Matt. 13:24-30 - The sower is Jesus and the enemy is the Devil
• 1 John 2: 18-19 - Several antichrists have appeared; the Judas factor would always be there
• 2 Thess. 2:7- The mystery of inequity was at work from the very beginning
• Matt. 18 - If two gather in Jesus’ name, He will be present in their midst
• Matt. 28:20 - Jesus will be with us to the very end.
• Ezek. 47 - Water flows from the right side of the temple 
• Rev. 19 - Jesus is victorious

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/