Victory Now!

Word Among Us, Nov 2004 by Mindling, Fr Joseph

How to Read Revelation in the Light of Faith

The lectionary this year offers us the broadest selection of excerpts from the Book of Revelation that we ever hear at Mass in any liturgical cycle. First, assorted passages from Revelation made up the second reading for six of the seven Sundays between Easter and Pentecost. And now this month, we encounter a different combination of twelve passages in the first readings for all the weekdays of the final two weeks before Advent. Many of these passages are highlighted, in fact, in our daily meditations this month, beginning on November 15.

Such a "double series" happens only once every six years. This happy coincidence allows us to immerse ourselves in the Book of Revelation both in personal study and in our common worship at Mass, giving us plenty of opportunities to deepen our appreciation of this last-and probably most puzzling-book of the Bible.

A Brief Outline. Because this book is characterized by very graphic scenarios and often abrupt transitions, we need to keep track in a Bible of where these materials come from, so that they don't seem to hang in the air as disconnected snippets. So let's review the thought flow of the brief introduction, the narrative segments, and the epilogue that work together to make up the whole of Revelation.

1 The Introduction -Revelation 1:1-8.

The Book of Revelation begins with two simple paragraphs. The first sets out the purpose of the book, and the second creates a doctrinal framework through a poetic summary of several significant beliefs that the early church professed about Jesus.

2 The Opening Encounter with Christ -Revelation 1:9-3:22.

The narrative section begins with a description of the risen Christ, surrounded by symbols of divine sovereignty, appearing to John. In this vision, Jesus tells him to write down prophetic messages-challenging but also reassuring-to seven churches. These letters contain interesting historical details, but more importantly, they deliver the overarching message of Revelation: "Remain true to your call. Give no ground to the forces of evil. The challenges and sufferings you face are daunting, but a share in the Lord's permanent victory is guaranteed for everyone who perseveres."

3 The Heavenly Court and the Sealed Scroll -Revelation 4:1 -5:14.

Next, John is shown the heavenly court where God shares his divine throne with Jesus, who appears in the form of a slain but risen Lamb. Together, they receive the adoration of ranks of worshippers: twenty-four elders, myriads of angels, a multitude of saints clothed in white, and four "living creatures"-mysterious figures reminiscent of those in Ezekiel 1:5-21. In his right hand, God holds a scroll containing his divine plan, which determines the flow and outcome of all the events of creation. The only one worthy of revealing the contents of this scroll is the Lamb, who accepts it amid songs of praise by the heavenly choirs.

4 The Perennial Conflict between God and Evil -Revelation 6:1-9:21.

The breaking open of the seals binding the scroll exposes how seriously human history has been marred by the disobedience of the wicked, who persecute Jesus' followers. It also shows that God has heard the prayers of those suffering persecution. Not one to turn a blind eye, he is already punishing the evil in the world, especially through devastating natural disasters. Unfortunately, the wicked stubbornly ignore wave after wave of these chastisements and continue in their rebellion and persecution.

5 The Symbolic Signs of the Imminent End -Revelation 10:1-11:19.

At length, an angel appears with a second, smaller scroll, which John is commanded to eat. He discovers that even though it tastes sweet in his mouth, the scroll turns his stomach bitter. This episode symbolizes John's commission to announce that all of history is approaching its momentous climax, and that victory will overshadow defeat once and for all. Other symbolic actions confirm how close this victory is: the measurement of the temple, the appearance of two final prophets, and a cry of heavenly voices announcing that God has already taken over control of "the kingdom of the world" (Revelation 11:15). And with that, the scene changes as the heavenly temple is opened, signaling the critical turning point in the story.

6 The Climactic Conflict -Revelation 12:1-14:20.

Beginning in Chapter 12, we see a vision of a great battle that will conelude the flow of history as we know it and inaugurate the final age. The powers of evil, lurking behind the sinful conduct of the earlier chapters, now assume a name and a face. Satan appears in the form of a ravenous, red dragon-and he is not alone. Two malevolent henchmen also appear, depicted as hideous beasts who coerce people by deceit and intimidation to worship the dragon. Marshaled against them is the Lamb with his army of 144,000 followers and countless angelic troops under the leadership of the archangel Michael.

7 The Eschatological Battle -Revelation 15:1-22:5.

Next comes an extended battle, interspersed with songs in praise of the victorious and true God. Mounted on a white horse, Jesus is depicted as the glorious winner who utterly humiliates and destroys "Babylon"-symbol of the earthly home of the powers of evil. Those who joined with the forces of good are granted access to the New Jerusalem, a paradise that is free from tears, death, pain, ugliness, and even the dark of night.