2023/10/30

115. Successors of the Apostles Part 10

In the last issue, we examined the description in Revelation, "Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom judgment was committed" (Revelation 20:4), according to the Gospel of Matthew. On the same theme, this time we will discuss it according to the Gospel of Luke: "I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Luke 22:29-30). 

Luke's Gospel places this scene at the last supper, after the institution of the Eucharist. It thereby shows that the 'kingdom' in this scene, when Jesus said, "I assign to you," was referring to what he had commanded at the institution of the Eucharist, "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19), i.e., the authority to administer the Eucharistic celebration. So, the words "sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel" mean that the Apostles and their successors were to completely distinguish this new liturgy from the rite of the old covenant. That is because "new wine must be put into fresh wineskins" (Luke 5:38). 

This authority to make the kingdom of God brought by Jesus present is immediately transmitted, particularly at the Eucharistic celebration, to the believers partaking in it and reenacts the last table of Jesus, involving them. That is because the congregation, the believers, are Christians who participate in this authority, entrusted to the Apostles and their successors, as common priesthood, even though they do not preside at the rite. Jesus, therefore, commanded the Apostles and their successors, "[L]et the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves" (Luke 22:26). 

Thus, the liturgy of the Mass, which makes the place where Jesus instituted the Eucharist present, must be perfect (cf. Matthew 5:48). If it is incomplete, then even 'woe' may befall some of those who partake in it. Revelation 17-18 is a prophecy that the whole Church will suffer the plague because of this very imperfection. 

The Holy Spirit demands those who collaborate with him to discern man's accidental information. By attending the completed Mass liturgy, believers will be unconsciously well formed for the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the daily training of the Book of Revelation prepares the faithful for the Mass liturgy, i.e., the formation of the Holy Spirit. That is because, without their knowing it, the worldview of Jesus Christ will be imprinted in their memory. 

For the liturgy of the Mass to be complete, it is a prerequisite that the following points, which I have repeated many times, are realised in their fullness. Christ's redemption must be inherited in its fullness. These three points are: the person who presides at the liturgy of the New Covenant must always be a man; the believers must publicly confess that the Holy Eucharist is the Messiah, the Son of God; and they must receive with their own hands the Blessed Sacrament distributed by the priest and 'take and eat' it (cf. blog № 113).

To be continued.

Maria K. M.