Readings:
Revelation 19

John hears a large choir of voices singing a song of praise, and it begins with a word not found very often in the New Testament, but commonly used in the Old Testament, and especially prevalent in the psalms that are sung as part of the Passover liturgy. Because of this fact, many biblical scholars believe the Passover liturgy is the backdrop for what John witnesses here.

By celebrating the Last Supper with his apostles in the course of the Passover meal, Jesus gave the Jewish Passover its definitive meaning. Jesus’ passing over to his father by his death and Resurrection, the new Passover, is anticipated in the Supper and celebrated in the Eucharist, which fulfills the Jewish Passover and anticipates the final Passover of the Church in the glory of the kingdom.

CCC 1340

Perhaps it’s being reinforced here that Jesus is the paschal lamb and his sacrifice Is the ultimate Passover sacrifice. The martyrs that pleaded for Justice to be meted out on the harlot for the unjust shedding of their blood also join the praise and thanksgiving for the justice of God in avenging the wrongs committed by her.

The living creatures, the 24 elders and the angels join in on this hymn of praise. They praise God because the long awaited marriage supper of the Lamb has finally come and is now here in their midst.

John is so overcome by the radiant glory and words of the angel that he falls down to worship him but is rebuffed. John of course is not an idolator, but perhaps is just so overcome with emotions at this point that he’s slightly disoriented. A very understandable reaction.

Then John sees Jesus appearing as the warrior king on his horse, riding into battle to issue judgment on the beast and his allies. He wears many crowns because he is the King of Kings.

This was a Mesopotamian title that applied to the kings of Assyria, Babylon and Persia when each had reached its zenith. It meant something like an emperor or high king. When applied to Christ it says that he is the king under which the kings of the earth serve and are subject to, that they are not the ultimate authorities and there is someone more powerful and authoritative than them.

Jesus defeats the enemies of God, including the beast and false prophet, with the sword that comes from his mouth. This is the words of Christ conquering the pagan nations and spreading throughout the world, it is the death of temple Judaism and the cult of emperor worship, it’s also the final defeat of evil at the end of all time.

Readings:
Revelation 20