Wonderful and Great, Just and True

Homily for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time

As we continue to read from the Book of Revelation, John presents us with another heavenly throne scene. In the initial throne room scene in chapter four, John mentioned that in front of the throne was “something like a sea of glass, like crystal.” The sea represents the chaotic, untamed part of creation. Here in this new vision, the sea acquires additional meaning. It functions as a part of the exodus imagery of this scene. As the ancient Israelites crossed through the Red Sea, so the faithful followers of the Lamb cross through the sea of glass. The sea is “mixed with fire,” a description that has frequently been interpreted as a reference to the wrath or judgment of God that is to be unleashed on the world. The faithful arrive safely through the sea, but the sea becomes God’s judgment on the world, similar to the exodus narrative when the sea closed in on Pharaoh’s army as God’s act of deliverance for the Israelites and destruction for their enemies. The fire that is mingled with the sea can be interpreted as a symbol of martyrdom representing the fire through which the martyrs have passed.

Who are those gathered beside this heavenly sea? They are the ones who resisted “the beast and its image and the number of its name.” They refused to be marked with the mark of the beast, choosing rather to identify themselves as the followers of the Lamb and to receive “his name and his Father’s name written on therefore heads.” Specifically, they are the martyrs who have withstood the Roman Empire led by the beast, Emperor Nero. In this passage they are not viewed as victims but as conquerors, for they have remained faithful to God who has brought them safely through their “Red Sea” experience.

The song that these heavenly pilgrims saying is particularly appropriate. They sing “the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.” We also sing that song at the Easter vigil every year, “Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.” The exodus theme is strong throughout this part of the Book of Revelation. Though the words of the hymn that are contained in this passage are not exactly the same, their intent and theme are identical.

As we continue our celebration of the Eucharist, we too sing our praise of the God who loves us, who has saved us, and who has sanctified us. Our God dwells among us. Fittingly, our song of praise fields our every day.