The Mass In The Book Of Revelation

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From the recording Unlocking The Book Of Revelation by Dr. Michael Barber. For this recording in its entirety or other great recordings, please visit lighthousecatholicmedia.org

Many people associate The Book of Revelation with images such as the apocalypse, the Rapture, or the anti-Christ. But when you read the Book of Revelation as a whole, you will find most of these images to be of minor importance. For example, “666″ and the battle of Armageddon are only mentioned one time. Words like anti-Christ and Rapture are not even found in the Book of Revelation. If you read Revelation as a whole, you will find that there is only one image that appears throughout the entire book, and that is the Liturgy.

Revelation 1:10 says that the things that John saw were on the Lord’s Day (Sunday), just as Catholics celebrate mass on Sunday. Revelation 1:13, 4:4, 6:11, 7:9, 15:6, 19:13-14 show that special vestments are used, just like Catholic priests wear on Earth. Revelation 1:12 and 2:5 talk of lampstands, much like the Catholic mass uses candles. Revelation 2:5, 2:16, 2:21; 3:3; 16:11 show that there is a penitential rite just like in the Catholic mass. Revelation 2:17 says that there is manna in heaven given to the faithful, just as Catholics partake in the Eucharistic manna at every mass. The Sanctus (“Holy, Holy, Holy”) is prayed (Revelation 4:8), as well as the Alleluia (Revelation 19:1-6) and the Gloria (Revelation 15:3-4). There is silent contemplation (Revelation 8:1). The perpetual sacrificial nature of the worship is evident because Jesus, in His risen, glorified body, still looks like a “Lamb that seemed to have been slain” (Revelation 5:6). The “Great Amen” is proclaimed and worshippers kneel (Revelation 5:14, 7:12). An altar is used (Revelation 8:3, 11:1, 14:18). Bowls are used (15:7, 16:1-4, 8, 10, 12, 17, 21:9), much like Catholics uses chalices in the mass. The Communion of Saints is clearly demonstrated in Revelation 5:8, 6:9-10 and 8:3-4, where heaven’s inhabitants offer prayers to God and petition Him to respond to things on Earth. We see that incense is used (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). Catholic priests make the sign of the cross, very similar to the mark described in Revelation 7:3 and 14:1. The Blessed Virgin Mary is seen assumed into heaven in Revelation 11:19-12:5. Faithful virgins follow Christ wherever He goes and are given special honor (Revelation 14:4), much like Catholic priests today live the celibate life. And finally, heavenly worship is divided into proclamation of Scripture (Revelation 5:1) and a sacred meal (Revelation 19:9), much like the Catholic mass is divided into the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

If you would like to study more on the connections between Revelation and the mass, Scott Hahn has some great material out, such as the audio presentation The End – A Study on the Book of Revelation or his book The Lamb’s Supper.