In the Jewish and then the Christian minds, Babylon symbolized all that was corrupt, unjust, and wicked in a society. The Jews had spent 50 years in exile in Babylon, and they had not forgotten it. For Christians, Rome was the new Babylon, for it seemed the centre of all economic and political oppression, enslavement, idolatry, and cruelty. Revelation celebrates the fall of Babylon, referring of course to Rome, their oppressors. The message: in the end, nothing that is opposed to God can stand. God will always triumph over evil and injustice, and we must believe that with all our hearts.

How would it be possible to find something hopeful in the midst of chaos and destruction? Luke describes the end-times, calling to mind the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD. But he insists that this is just the prelude to the return of Jesus - an event that we all hope and yearn for. Luke goes a step further: when it seems the worst, stand tall and hold your head up high, for your redemption or freedom is at hand. In these troubled times, let us focus on the majesty, power, and love of Christ. Though the world may seem to be in turmoil, we can put our hope and trust in this.