The%20Book%20of%20Revelation:%20Lectionary%20Readings%20during%20the%20Easter%20Season

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The Book of RevelationLectionary
Readingsduring the Easter Season

• Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.
• http//Catholic-Resources.org

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Literary and Historical Issues
Abbr. (Length) Rev (22 chapters 404 verses 9825 words in Greek)
Attrib. Author "John" (11, 4, 9), a Jewish-Christian prophetprobably 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 (14 21-22)
Date Mid-90's of first century,near end of Emperor Domitians reign (died 96 CE)
Where From Roman Province of Asia (possibly Ephesus itself)
Authenticity Certainly by an early Christian named "John(not the same as the apostle)
Unity/Integrity Single work, possibly composed in stages, incl. some apocalyptic materials
Literary Genre Apocalypse" (11 41),with an epistolary frame (letter intro conclusion 14 2221)
Language Highly symbolic Greek, incl. Semitic influences
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Book of Revelation Outline

• Prologue / Introduction (11-8)
• Visionary Report (19 225)
• Johns Inaugural Vision Commission (19 322)
• An Audition and Vision of the Risen Christ
  (19-20)
• Seven Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia (21
  322)
• Johns First Cycle of Visions in the Spirit (41
  1119)
• Worship in the Heavenly Court (41-11)
• The Scroll, the Lion of Judah, and the Lamb
  (51-14)
• The Seven Seals (61 85)
• The Seven Angels with Seven Trumpets (82
  1119)
• Johns Second Cycle of Visions in the Spirit
  (121 225)
• Seven Symbolic Visions of the Past, Present
  Future (121 154)
• Seven Angels with Seven Plagues (151 1910)
• Seven Visions of the Last Things (1911 225)
• Conclusion (226-21)

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Revelation in Lectionary Sundays
Sunday Second Reading
2nd Sunday of Easter C Rev 19-11a, 12-13, 17-19 Vision of the Risen Lord Jesus
3rd Sunday of Easter C Rev 511-14 Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain
4th Sunday of Easter C Rev 79, 14b-17 Uncountable Multitude of Elect in Triumph
5th Sunday of Easter C Rev 211-5a New Heaven and New Earth
6th Sunday of Easter C Rev 2110-14, 22-23 Vision of the New Jerusalem
7th Sunday of Easter C Rev 2212-14, 16-17, 20 Epilogue Come, Lord Jesus!

Christ the King B Rev 15-18 Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Coming in Glory
Chrism Mass (Holy Week) Rev 15-18 Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Coming in Glory
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Revelation in Lectionary Weekdays
Weekday First Reading
Year II, Week 33Monday to Saturday Rev 1 11 (excerpts)
Year II, Week 34Monday to Saturday Rev 14 22 (excerpts)
August 15Assumption of BVM Rev 1119a 121-6a, 10ab Vision of Woman Dragon
November 1All Saints Rev 72-4, 9-14 The 144,000 Uncountable Multitude of the Elect
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2nd Sunday of Easter (C)

• Rev 19-11a, 12-13, 17-19 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
• Dont be afraid
• I am the first the last
• Write what you have seen

Albrecht Dürer, 1496
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3rd Sunday of Easter (C)

• Rev 511-14 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. Handels Messiah

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4th Sunday of Easter (C)

• Rev 79, 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)

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5th Sunday of Easter (C)

• Rev 211-5a New Heaven New Earth
• Former heaven, earth, sea pass away
• New Jerusalem descends from heaven, prepared as
  a bride adorned
• Behold, Gods dwelling is with people Behold,
  I make all things new

John Martin, 1851-53
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6th Sunday of Easter (C)

• Rev 2110-14, 22-23 Vision of New Jerusalem
• Radiant like precious stones
• Wall with 12 gatesNames of 12 tribes of Israel
• Foundations with 12 stonesNames of Lambs 12
  apostles
• No temple, no sun, no moon
• Glory of God gives lightLamp is the Lamb

Gustave Doré, 1832-1883
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7th Sunday of Easter C Not used in
Western USA, since Ascension moved to this
Sunday.

• Rev 2212-14, 16-17, 20 - Epilogue Johns 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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Conclusion

• Summary
• Questions
• Discussion
• Application