wordsmiths

By Diogenes ( articles ) | May 21, 2007

Here is the reading you probably heard at Mass yesterday:

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
“I Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.”
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let him who hears say, “Come.” And let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with the saints. Amen.

Now compare that reading with the full text. The passages that were omitted above are highlighted below. Pay particular attention to vv 18-19:

12: “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done.
13: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14: Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
15: Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and every one who loves and practices falsehood.
16: “I Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.”
17: The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let him who hears say, “Come.” And let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price.
18: I warn every one who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if any one adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
19: and if any one takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
20: He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with the saints. Amen.

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