Second Sunday of EasterRevelation 1:9-19
Over the next six weeks the church will proclaim its second reading from an often misunderstood and misinterpreted book: Revelation. Why Revelation? Because the message of Revelation unlocks the Easter mystery of the Crucified and Risen Christ, who has defeated death and who now (yes, now—not just in the future!) rules over all creation. This book is essentially one long, complex vision of God’s ultimate victory over evil.
But let’s begin with some background
The Book of Revelation is an example of “apocalyptic literature.” Popular in its day, this style of writing offered hope to people facing persecution. As the threat of martyrdom loomed large in the first century, our author (John of Patmos) used “coded” messages to believers in order to communicate the mystery of salvation. The messages were encrypted in symbolic images that would have been familiar to the original audience but which is hard for contemporary readers to decode. By couching his teaching in veiled language John (as other apocalyptic writers) are able to foil Roman persecutors while offering messages of consolation to those facing trials.One of the conventions of apocalyptic writing was a description of an author’s “visions.” In today’s reading, John first establishes his solidarity with those “in distress” as he is exiled to the Mediterranean island of Patmos, then proclaims his “vision” (symbolic message) that reveals the "Son of Man" (Jesus) who has conquered death forever and now reigns supreme—a very comforting message to those suffering persecution and death for their belief in Jesus!
And a very comforting message for we today who long for Christ's rule to be made complete not only in the hearts of believers, but in all creation as well.
Happy Easter!
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
