Rev 7:2-4,9-14; Ps 23; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12
It may be difficult for us to understand the strange, frequently misunderstood, book of Revelation. Cosmic battles are raging all about us: evil seems to triumph in our world, yet God’s revelation of himself in Christ gives us confidence (hope) that He will save us. The previous chapter ended by describing the coming terrible day of judgement (Dies irae). Now there is a pause while the elect – the chosen ones – are sealed with God’s mark to show they will be protected. Some can be counted – perhaps the martyrs, whose robes have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb. Numberless others from all nations will also be saved. Faith gives hope for those who repent: “The Lamb … will lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes”.
John seems to have written his letters to repeat basic teachings, which some in his community appear to have forgotten in their reception of his Gospel, with its emphasis on Christ’s divinity. Here he insists we are already God’s children, and there is much more joy still to come. But we must purify ourselves, and model our lives on the human life of Jesus.
Matthew’s Gospel brings the Commandments up to date with positive demands if we are to be counted among the elect.
Psalm Response: Such are the men who seek your face, O Lord.
(Rev 7:2-4,9-14; Ps 23; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12)
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