Rome. A Christian now sits upon the throne of the Caesars; the Gospel is being preached far and wide and magnificent basilicas are being erected in which the liturgy of the Church is carried out with grand solemnity. The prophecy of Malachias is being fulfilled: "From the rising of the sun even to the going down, my name is great among the Gentiles, and in every place there is sacrifice and there is offered to my name a clean oblation: for my name is great among the Gentiles, saith the Lord of hosts." [1]
13-14. The faithful whom St. John beholds in the vision have passed through great tribulations. The era of persecution was a period of great tribulation for the whole Church as well as for those who actually suffered martyrdom.
Trials and tribulations shall frequently recur during the history of the Church as our Lord foretold: "If they have persecuted me they will also persecute you." [2] The most trying persecutions will be suffered in the days of Antichrist and at the end of the world.
The elect have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They are saved by the merits of Christ's suffering and death, for "there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we must be saved." [3]
15-17. Those who remain faithful to Christ, espe-
