Here we enter upon a new scene. Babylon the great is fallen. The saints are here represented rejoicing over _the woman which was drunk with the blood of the saints. (Chap. xvii. 6.) (Calmet) --- The voice of many multitudes....saying: Alleluia. In these visions, when the martyrs have triumphed and o... [ Continue Reading ]
_The voice of a great multitude. Menochius applies this voice to the multitude of Angels and saints, which from its strength may be compared to the voice of rushing waters, and because of the terror with which it strikes the wicked. Pastorini understands by this voice of many waters, the voices of m... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the marriage, &c. In the New Testament, the word marriage points out the establishment of the Church, the vocation of different people to the faith, or the reign of the Messias. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Fine linen. The symbol of justification, or the good works and merit of her holy members; the most pleasing attire in which she can present herself to the Lamb. Her robe is glittering and white, because she has been purified as silver in a furnace, and washed white in the waters of tribulation and... [ Continue Reading ]
And I fell before his feet, to adore him. They of the pretended reformation think they have here a clear proof that no veneration is due to Angels and saints, and that papists in doing so are idolaters. In answer to this: First, they make St. John the apostle guilty of that idolatry which they lay t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold a white horse. The titles and character given to him that sat on this white horse, shew that hereby was represented Jesus Christ, called also here the word of God, ver. 13; and ver. 16, and he hath on his garment and on his thigh written: King of kings and Lord of lords, &c. (Witham) --- And... [ Continue Reading ]
_Flame, &c. Which shews his indignation. --- Diadems; the mark of power. So Ptolemy, the king of Egypt, after he had entered Antiochia, took two crowns, to signify that he was king of two countries, Syria and Egypt. (Pastorini) --- Which (name) no man knoweth but himself. Some interpreters think St.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sprinkled with blood, &c. Which betokens the carnage made among his enemies._... [ Continue Reading ]
_The armies, &c. The celestial armies of saints follow the Son of God, as their captain and commander; they are all like him, mounted on white horses, and clothed in fine linen, white and clean, a symbol of their merit and glory. (Pastorini)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sharp two-edged sword. The power which Christ exercises over the impious. (Menochius) --- Wine press, &c. This painting corresponds to the triumph of Jesus Christ. (Calmet) --- Some of the attributes here mentioned are also ascribed to Christ, by the prophet Isaias. Chap. lxiii. 2, 3. "Why then is... [ Continue Reading ]
_An Angel....in the sun,...with a loud voice invites all the birds of the air to a most plentiful entertainment which is preparing for them, where they may fill themselves with human flesh of all kinds; from that of kings to that of bondmen; (ver. 18) and with the flesh of horses and that of them th... [ Continue Reading ]
We have just now seen the heavenly captain on horseback, at the head of his holy troop, marching to battle; and now we see who are the enemies he comes to encounter. Here is the beast, or antichrist, with prodigious armies gathered from all parts of the earth, and headed by their kings and princes.... [ Continue Reading ]
_ The beast, &c. Antichrist is taken alive. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]