Msgr. Pope on Some Things That Are Not for Us to Know

"In the Office last week, we read a poignant passage from the Book of Revelation. It reminds us that there are some things that are not for us to know.

"Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down' (Rev 10:1-4).

"A similar passage occurs in the Book of Daniel, where, having had certain things revealed to him, he is told, But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end (Dan 12:4).

"And to the Apostles, who pined for knowledge of the last things, Jesus said, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power (Acts 1:7).

"In all these texts we are reminded that there are some things, even many things, that are not for us to know. This is a warning against sinful curiosity and a solemn reminder that not all God's purposes or plans are revealed to us."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on why, although we should seek to learn, we should also realize that "there are many things that are beyond us, that are too great for us," and, in our seeking to learn, we should do so "in the humility that is the reverence for the truth, a humility that realizes that we are but little children, not lords and masters."

To access Msgr. Pope’s complete post, please visit:

Msgr. Charles Pope: There Are Some Things That Are Not for You to Know – A Meditation on the Seven Thunders of the Book of Revelation (28 APR 15)