The passage as it appears in the lectionary:
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
At the end of the visions I, John, heard these words:
"See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone's work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.
"It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come."
And let everyone who hears say, "Come."
And let everyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.
The one who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.
The passage in context (verses missing in lectionary are in bold):
Revelation 22:12-21
“See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let everyone who hears say, “Come.” And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.
Ironic, isn't it?
Yep, I posted on that 3 years ago when it came around on the lectionary cycle.
ReplyDeleteWhen read without the imprecatory verses, the "Abbrevelation" of John sounds so sweet and soothing. Unfortunately, most lectionary edits seem to result in this, a pasteurized scripture.
Feed them whole milk!
My advice is to read the whole text, or else to use the omission for useful instruction to your congo.
We are reading the entire passage this Sunday.
ReplyDeleteWhole milk it is...
We at St. John's read the entire passage as well, as we always do. So often it seems that so many put their souls in peril for so many reasons. It is not just a matter of seasonal editing. It is a matter of willfully changing God's message to us all. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.
ReplyDeleteI was amused and perturbed by the editing of the Psalm for Pentecost at the Principal Mass. Psalm 104:25-35, 37. The offending verse 36 reads, "Let sinners be consumed out of the earth, and the wicked be no more." I hope everyone feels better on their way to hell!
ReplyDelete