The Revelation of Jesus Christ to St. John, or The Apocalypse, is the only prophetic book in the New Testament. Written by John, one of the apostles of Christ, the book is addressed to the seven Christian churches in Asia Minor, whose members were being persecuted by Roman officials. The images and allusions of The Revelation are difficult for us to understand today; but to the persecuted members of the seven churches, John’s message is clearly one of hope, courage, and faith in times of trouble; it proclaims that on the Lord’s day the faithful will be greatly rewarded.

Revelation 8

8:7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.