The Book of Revelation: Lectionary Readings during the Easter Season Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

Literary and Historical Issues: Abbr. (Length) Rev (22 chapters; 404 verses; 9825 words in Greek) Attrib. Author "John" (1:1, 4, 9), a Jewish-Christian prophet; probably not the brother of James, son of Zebedee, nor the authors of the "Fourth Gospel" or the "Johannine Epistles" Recipients"Seven churches" in Asia Minor (1:4; 2:1-22) DateMid-90's of first century, near end of Emperor Domitian’s reign (died 96 CE) Where From Roman Province of Asia (possibly Ephesus itself) AuthenticityCertainly by an early Christian named "John“ (not the same as the apostle) Unity/IntegritySingle work, possibly composed in stages, incl. some apocalyptic materials Literary Genre “Apocalypse" (1:1; 4:1), with an epistolary frame (letter intro & conclusion: 1:4; 22:21) LanguageHighly symbolic Greek, incl. Semitic influences

Book of Revelation: Outline Prologue / Introduction (1:1-8) Prologue / Introduction (1:1-8) Visionary Report (1:9 – 22:5) Visionary Report (1:9 – 22:5) – – John’s Inaugural Vision & Commission (1:9 – 3:22) An Audition and Vision of the Risen Christ (1:9-20) Seven Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia (2:1 – 3:22) – – John’s First Cycle of Visions in the Spirit (4:1 – 11:19) Worship in the Heavenly Court (4:1-11) The Scroll, the Lion of Judah, and the Lamb (5:1-14) The Seven Seals (6:1 – 8:5) The Seven Angels with Seven Trumpets (8:2 – 11:19) – – John’s Second Cycle of Visions in the Spirit (12:1 – 22:5) Seven Symbolic Visions of the Past, Present & Future (12:1 – 15:4) Seven Angels with Seven Plagues (15:1 – 19:10) Seven Visions of the Last Things (19:11 – 22:5) Conclusion (22:6-21) Conclusion (22:6-21)

Revelation in Lectionary: Sundays Sunday: Second Reading: 2nd Sunday of Easter – CRev 1:9-11a, 12-13, – Vision of the Risen Lord Jesus 3rd Sunday of Easter – CRev 5:11-14 – Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain 4th Sunday of Easter – CRev 7:9, 14b-17 – Uncountable Multitude of Elect in Triumph 5th Sunday of Easter – CRev 21:1-5a – New Heaven and New Earth 6th Sunday of Easter – CRev 21:10-14, – Vision of the New Jerusalem 7th Sunday of Easter – CRev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 – Epilogue: Come, Lord Jesus! Christ the King – BRev 1:5-18 – Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Coming in Glory Chrism Mass (Holy Week)Rev 1:5-18 – Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Coming in Glory

Revelation in Lectionary: Weekdays Weekday: First Reading: Year II, Week 33: Monday to Saturday Rev 1 – 11 (excerpts) Year II, Week 34: Monday to Saturday Rev 14 – 22 (excerpts) August 15: Assumption of BVM Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab – Vision of Woman & Dragon November 1: All Saints Rev 7:2-4, 9-14 – The 144,000 & Uncountable Multitude of the Elect

2 nd Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, – Vision of the Risen Lord – John on Patmos – Voice like a trumpet – “Write on scroll what you see” – Seven gold lampstands – Son of Man – Long robe; gold sash – “Don’t be afraid” – “I am the first & the last” – “Write what you have seen” Albrecht Dürer, 1496

3 rd Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 5:11-14 – Throne Vision – Angels, Living Creatures, Elders – “Worthy the Lamb that was slain” – All creatures cry out – “To the one on the throne (God) and to the Lamb (Jesus) be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever.” – Four living creatures: “Amen” – Elders: fall down & worship – Cf. Handel’s Messiah

4 th Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 7:9, 14b-17 – Vision of Multitude of Elect in Triumph – After 144,000 from Israel; uncountable crowds from every nation, race… – Before throne/Lamb, white robes, palm branches (symbols of victory)

5 th Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 21:1-5a – New Heaven & New Earth – Former heaven, earth, sea pass away; – New Jerusalem descends from heaven, “prepared as a bride adorned” – “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people… Behold, I make all things new” John Martin,

6 th Sunday of Easter (C) Rev 21:10-14, – Vision of New Jerusalem – Radiant like precious stones – Wall with 12 gates: Names of 12 tribes of Israel – Foundations with 12 stones: Names of Lamb’s 12 apostles – No temple, no sun, no moon – Glory of God gives light; Lamp is the Lamb Gustave Doré,

[ 7 th Sunday of Easter – C ] [ Not used in Western USA, since Ascension moved to this Sunday. ] Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 - Epilogue: John’s Final Visions – “I am the Alpha & Omega, the first & last, the beginning & end” – “Behold, I am coming soon”; “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

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