Revelation 1: Do Not Fear – Part XI
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Carlo Maratti: John the Evangelist on Patmos
John brings us his Patmos vision in the first chapter of Revelation.
I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. (verse 1:9)
John tells us why he writes his apocalyptic prophecy.
I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches”. (verses 1:10-11)
John describes the Living God’s response to his fear.
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades”. (verse 1:17-18)
The Cave of St. John on the Island of Patmos
Today, as we reflect on John’s words, we might ask ourselves, “In this new year, how do we open ourselves to the promise of peace God offers to us with the gift of his entry into the world as a small, vulnerable child?”
Although Christmastide has closed, we continue to reflect on the meaning of the prophetic description of the Living God as the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.
Apocalyptic literature can be difficult to take in. For commentary on the Book of Revelation, visit: http://www.usccb.org/bible/scripture.cfm?bk=Revelation&ch=
The Island of Patmos Today
When we explore other translations of these verses, we begin to understand how our fears disconnect us from the one who is the beginning and end of all.
Images from: https://www.art.com/products/p55652249390-sa-i10225426/carlo-maratti-saint-john-the-evangelist-on-patmos.htm and http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?451665-Discovering-my-roots-from-the-Island-of-Patmos-to-Tinos and http://www.patmos.gr/the-island-of-patmos/?lang=en
The Noontimes 