As we approach the end of the Church Year, the readings of the 33rd and 34th weeks take us on a roller coaster emotional-spiritual ride.They expose us to the undoubted evil in the world and the moral horror and suffering it brings and, at the same time, they bring consolation and reassurance in the midst of world, national and personal crises. They encourage us to push on to the great goodness which is already partially present in the midst of the evil and unbelievable suffering so vividly being presented in the media.

The horrifying images and language of Revelation are solely directed to making clear that the great evil in the world is rebellion against God and a refusal to serve. From this evil flow all the other evils that beset our world. The writer is convinced that God's anger is directed towards a vindication of what is good and a consequent movement towards a reform of what is evil. In one and the same movement God cares for his Church and fosters the shoots of good when they appear.

Triumph awaits the one who faithfully works along with God's plan for the world. God's plan has already been successfully set in motion in the life of Jesus. It is being realised in many ways which can be seen and heard about and read about even in the very media which so specialise in bad news.