‘There was silence in heaven for about half an hour’ (Revelation 8:1)

The last book of the Bible is an unusual choice for contemplative reading, however, the times we are in prompted my choice this Lent. One thing one can never say about this book is that it is boring! It is probably one of those books of the Bible which St Benedict in his Rule would have advised not to read in the late evening as it would kindle the imagination and ‘fears of the night.’ ‘Such books,’ he says, however, ‘should be read at other times’ (Rule 42:3-4). Still, I went at it with a study guide for, especially with a book like this with a kaleidoscope of imagery, it is easy to mis-read and look for fulfilment of prophesies when we hardly know what they are referring to.