The Mass as Heaven on Earth

Another book I use to help in interpreting the book of Revelation is The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn. He subtitles his book the Mass as Heaven on Earth. In his book, he explains that when he first attended Mass as a Protestant minister, he says, “As the Mass moved on, however, something hit me. My Bible wasn’t just beside me. It was before me – in the words of the Mass!” He later explains in the same chapter that he was “in the Book of Revelation.” Our reading gets the first glimpse of this reality. “ Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.” The Sanctus or the Holy, holy, holy is right there in the book of Revelation. We will hear many more references in the Mass that come seemingly straight from Revelation. 

A Heavenly Liturgy

What do we see before our eyes when we go to Mass? While it may seem simple, some readings from scriptures, some prayers, and receiving the Eucharist. But there is something more significant going on here. While we may not see it, Heaven on Earth is going on right in front of us. As we continue to go through the book of Revelation, keep an eye out for these connections to the Mass as we continue to work through the book of Revelation.

Full of the Old Testament

Finally, I’d like to mention that there are many references to the Old Testament when it comes to the book of Revelation. This vision of God’s throne in heaven is similar to the one seen in Daniel 7, for example. We will see many other references to the Old Testament in the book of Revelation. The Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture points out that the vision of God’s throne in heaven looks similar to what we see in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Keep an eye out for more references to the Old Testament!