Module 7

Important Persons
In Johns Gospel.
John of Zebedee.
Brother of James the Great, Apostle of Spain.

Called the Beloved Disciple because of his great love for Christ ,his
humility and his deep faith.
Was a disciple of John the Baptist and the one to immediately believed
in Christ when John the Baptist pointed out the Lamb of God to him.
John of Zebedee is a pure soul - - - He was my first disciple ,who loved me

from the very first instant he saw me. (Poem of the Man God Bk.1 P.255 M
Valtorta)
He, the first one responsible for Peters coming to me, - - - He wants Andrew
to appear as Christs first Apostle with Peter (Valtorta op.cit. Bk.1 P.267)
Probably from Bethsaida. A fisherman. Part of Peter and Andrews

fishing group.
Christs closest group was Peter, James and John. These three were at
the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden.
When the other Apostles fled, John followed Christ during His passion.
He stood at the foot of the cross with Mary the Mother of Jesus.
He was a distant cousin of Christ.
Jesus entrusted his Mother to John.
When persecution of the Christians broke out, he took Mary to
Ephesus. The Stone house he built there for Mary is a pilgrimage site
for Christians and Moslems alike.
On Easter Sunday he was the first apostle to reach the empty tomb.
Peter followed.
The previous Friday afternoon he helped Nicodemus and Joseph of
Arimathea take Christs body down from the cross and carry it to the
freshly dug burial cave of Joseph, not far from Golgotha.
About 40 AD. James, his brother, visited him in Ephesus, while on his
way to Martyrdom in Jerusalem under Herod Agrippa I.
John brought Mary to Jerusalem for the Jerusalem council.
Joseph of Arimathea gave Mary and John free access to his Apple
Orchard and vegetable garden near Christs tomb.
Lazarus, Owner of Gethsemane, withdrew his oil press and gave the
key to the workmans house to John.Mary and John stayed there. Take
up your abode in the house of Jonah and Mary ,the keepers of
Gethsemane. (Valtorta op.cit.Bk.5 P.891)
Mary the Mother of Jesus died in the house at Gethsemane and was
assumed into heaven. John was the only witness.John, the only
witness to this sweet mystery, arranged me by himself- - - without
washing or embalming
(Valtorta op.cit. Bk.5 P.939)
John returned to Ephesus. Legend has it, he was thrown into a vat of
boiling and survived unharmed. The Roman soldiers were terrified. John
was exiled to Patmos where it is believed he authored the book of
Revelation. Later, returning from exile he built up a Christian
Community at Ephesus.
To show the glory of his beloved Christ, he authored his famous gospel.
Legend has it, that at an advanced age, he foretold the day of his
death, dug his own grave, bid farewell to his disciples, lay down in the
grave and expired.
He was the last of the Apostles to die.
He was buried at Ephesus.
The Symbol for his gospel in the Eagle.
Nicodemus
A Pharisee. A wealthy land owner on the plains leading to Joppa. And

the fertile fields of good Nicodemus are beautiful in the early
Sunshine. (Valtorta op.cit.Bk.3 P.771)
A man of deep religious convictions. He was also a sculptor.
Leader of the Judeans in the Sanhedrin.
Best friend of Joseph of Arimathea.
The first Pharisee to approach Jesus and ask him about his mission and
beliefs. He came at night, lest he might scandalize others.
Misunderstood the words of Jesus about being reborn. (John 3:1-14)
Defended Jesus at the trial in the house of Caiaphas. After Gamaliel
leaves disgusted. Nicodemus says: Gamaliel is right. The time and place are illicit and the charges are not
consistent.Can anyone accuse him of having notoriously despised the
law? I am a friend of His and I swear that I have always found Him
respectful of the Law. (Valtorta Bk.5 P.552 op.cit)
Nicodemus went with Joseph of Arimathea to the crucifixion.
Nicodemus and Joseph appear from behind some Judeans and they say
step aside!
You are not allowed. What do you want? Ask the Soldiers. To pass we are
friends of Christ. - - Soldier, here is my purse and my pass. Says Joseph of
Arimathea. Joseph and Nicodemus approach the shepherds and stand with
them. (Valtorta op.cit Bk.5 P.616)
After the frightful execution of Christ, Nicodemus helps John and Joseph take
down Christs body from the cross and carry it to the newly carved sepulcher
of Joseph.
He helped the burial process by bringing an immense amount of spices.100
lbs.(45 kgs.)An amount fit for a king, a mixture of myrrh and aloes.(John
19.39)
After the Resurrection, Joseph of Arimathea took the two shrouds to the
Mansion of Lazarus for safe keeping. Then returned them to Mary. Nicodemus
asked for the one used to take Christ down from the cross and carry Him to
the Sepulchre.
I was thinking of making a statue of Jesus crucified, as best I can I will use
one of my gigantic cedars of Lebanon and of concealing one of the shrouds
inside it, the first one, if you mother, will give it back to us. - - No Israelite of
the high castes will ever dare to touch a sculpture. But the other one, the
Second Shroud, which was on Him from the evening of Preparation Day until
the dawn of the Resurrection, must come to You.
(Valtorta op.cit Bk.5 P.903)
Nicodemus gave his possessions to the new community. He was ordained a
priest. His place of apostolate and death are unknown.
Joseph of Arimathea
Pharisee. Wealthy land owner. the fields being closer to the

Mediterranean shores than those of Nicodemus. (Valtorta op.cit .Bk.3.
P.777)
Joseph the Elder a member of the Sanhedrin.
Present at the raising of Lazarus.
Joseph, Nicodemus, John, Eleazer, the other John the scribe - Gamaliel with his son Joshua, Joachim, Manaen - - Joseph Barnabas, the
disciple of Gamaliel - - -.
Went with Nicodemus to Calvary.
Asked Pilate for the body of Christ. (John 19:38)
Had defended Christ at the trial in the House of Caiaphas.
May the fire of heaven fall upon you! As from this moment be aware that
Joseph the Elder is an enemy of the Sanhedrin and friend of the Christ.
And I am going at once to inform the Praetor that a man is being
sentenced to death here without the approval of Rome.
He helped to bring down the body of Christ from the cross. Carried it
with John and Nicodemus to the newly constructed sepulcher in his
own vegetable garden at the base of Golgotha.
The little procession, after descending calvary, at the foot of it finds the
Sepulchre of Joseph of Arimathea, hewn out of the limestone of the
mountain. - - It is a room dug in the stone, at the end of a vegetable garden
all in blossom. (Valtorta op.cit Bk.5 P.628)
After his Resurrection

Jesus appears to Joseph, Nicodemus and Manaen. Manaen gets up
to leave the group. But as he turns towards the door, the latter is
brightly illuminated by the Divine Resurrected Lord, who ,with His
open hands, in a gesture of an embrace, stops him saying ; Peace
to you! Peace to you two! - - - the three are blissful and
bewildered. (Valtorta op.cit Bk.5 P.725)
After the Resurrection of Jesus, Joseph fenced in his apple orchard
and vegetable garden and gave the key to Mary. This is the key of
the enclosure of my vegetable garden. (Valtorta op.cit Bk.5 P.894)
Anne Catherine Emmerich includes in Bk.4 of her work The Life of
Jesus Christ an account of Caiaphas ordering the ambush,
abduction and imprisonment in a tower of the city wall, of Joseph of
Arimathea.(Art.63 P.341) He is left there to starve to death.
Luckily for Joseph, God intervenes. An Angel rescues him from his cell.
(Vol.4 P.358)He runs to the supper house,and relates his experience
to those gathered there. They rejoice at the miracle. Joseph leaves

immediately and Journeys to Arimathea. He is ordained a priest.
Lazarus ,Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea could not with propriety
longer oversee the temporal interests of the community as they had
hitherto done, for they now had become priests.
(The Life of Jesus Christ, Anne Catherine Emmerich Vol.4 P.444 Tan
books)
The Place of the Apostolate and death of Joseph of Arimathea are
unknown. One Legend suggests Southern Wales in Great Britain.
Lazarus
A wealthy landowner.Not Married.
Lazarus of Theophilus, Magistrate of Syria,of the noble Theophilus, the

husband of Eucheria of the tribe of Judah and of the family of David! Jesus
great friend.The richest and most learned man in Israel, both with regard to
our history and to that of the whole world. The friend of the Romans. The
benefactor of the poor. (Valtorta op.cit. Bk.5 P.168)
Three quarters of the village of Bethany belonged to Lazarus. Likewise a
large part of Jerusalem belonged to him. (Valtorta op.cit Bk.5 P.65)
Simon the Zealot tells us,
Lazarus is a very wealthy man. A large part of the town(Bethany)belongs to
him as well as much land in Palestine. (Valtorta op.cit Bk.1 P.622)
He was the owner of the house of the Last Supper. Mary asks Lazarus
after the Resurrection of Jesus I should like you to allow us to make of
this house, that is of the Supper room, a place for meetings and for the
brotherly agape.
Lazarus is very sick. His legs are swollen and covered in bandages. He
has difficulty walking. We do not know the disease but there is slow
putrefaction.
He supports Christ in his mission.
Jesus knows his apostles and disciples will desert him in the garden of
Gethsemane. He warns Lazarus before hand and asks Lazarus to
provide refuge for them when the crucifixion takes place.
When Lazarus dies the putrefaction is extensive. The stench of the
corpse is smelt even at the porch of the house (Valtorta op.cit Bk.5
P.35)
When Jesus raises Lazarus (John 11:1 -12 :11) the man is four days
dead and the body rapidly decomposing.
The raising of Lazarus is the greatest miracle Jesus performed during His
ministry.
Because of this miracle, many people were converting to Jesus.
So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on
account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in
Jesus. (John 12:10)
Lazarus helps to bury the churchs first martyr Stephen.
Lazarus and Nicodemus lift the cloth in which the body of Stephen is
enveloped, and at the first light of dawn they set out towards the Bethany
and Jericho road. (Valtorta op.cit Bk5 P.915)
Lazarus becomes a priest. A legend states: - When a later persecution

against the infant church breaks out, Lazarus , Maximinus (his head
servant, also a priest)and Mary Magdalen, set out in a small boat on
the Mediterranean sea.
After an arduous trip they land on a remote Southern part of France.

Mary goes inland, ascends a rugged mountain finds a cave and as ordered
by Christ in a vision spends the next 30 years of her life repenting of her
sins.
Lazarus and Maximinus proselytize the Southern coast of France. Lazarus
is martyred at Masaille. He is buried there by Maximinus.
The Gospel of St.John.

There is sufficient unity in the literary composition and the narrated point of
View in the Gospel to justify the claim that a single individual was
responsible for the structure of the gospel narrative. (NJBC. P.946 Art.12)
Irenaeus of Lyons is reported to have affirmed that the gospel was written by
the beloved disciple towards the end of his life. (Irenaeus died in 202 AD.)
Traditionally, the church has attributed the gospel to John of Zebedee.
There are some incongruities.
1. The insertion about John the Baptist in the Prologue.
2. The story of the woman caught in adultery.
3. Chapter 21.
These incongruities suggest that some redactor proof read and added
material after the authors death and before the gospel was circulated
among the churches.
The Plot of the Gospel.
John seems to have written the gospel to focus on the glorification of

Christ. This glorificationwas Christs return to the Father after the
crucifixion. His mission had been completed.He had revealed the Father to
men.
Some characteristics of Johns Gospel.

1. Familiarity with places in Palestine.eg. Location of Bethany, the garden
of Gethsemane, Solomons porch in the temple, Pool of Bethesda.
2. Familiarity with the Jewish Feasts.
3. There is a reference to expulsion from the Synagogues(Jn.9:22)
(Jn.16:2)Which was proclaimed soon after the crucifixion.
4. John uses a higher form of Christology for tittles of Jesus than do the
Synoptics. Messiah, King of Israel, Son of God.
5. There is an interplay between the concepts of light and darkness
e.g. In the Prologue.
6. There are duplications. e.g. In the Last Discourse (Chps.14-16) The
Father, the Advocate, Love.
7. John calls Christs miracles Signs. In fact a large part of the gospel is
the Book of Signs (John 1:19-12:50) Many of these signs are found
only in Johns Gospel.
8. Another Johannine technique is the deliberate misunderstanding by
Jesus protagonists of what he says. (NJBC. P.947 Art.13) e.g. (John
2:19)
Misunderstandings were not confined to his enemies. Those favourable
to him often misunderstood Him. e.g. Nicodemus (John 3:3-4) The
Woman at the Well(John 4:13-15) Philip at the feeding of the 5,000.
(John 6:5-7)
Titles of Jesus.
John takes traditional titles for Jesus e.g. Messiah, Lamb of God, Son of
God, King of Israel, Son of Man and transcends them by a larger vision
of Jesus as the Logos/Son sent as the saving revelation of the Father. (NJBC.
P.948 Art.16)
He is the only one among the gospel writers to establish the pre existence of
the Son of God.
In the beginning was the word - - (John 1:1)
- - before Abraham came to be I am. (John 8:58)
In the garden of Gethsemane when the band let by Judas came to arrest Him,
Jesus uses the same thunderous and majestic phrase. (John.18:5-6)
This is no ordinary assertion. It is the God of Sinai speaking again on each
occasion. This is a powerful phase whose import is not lost on the readers of
Johns Gospel.
The Son of Man
A phrase used over 80 times by Jesus in the Gospels. He never explains its
meaning. (e.g. John 3:13 and John 3:14) It is mentioned many times in the
Synoptic gospels. Matthew in particular frequently uses the term
(eg.Matt.12:8,16:27,25:31)
What does it mean?
We have some understanding from Pauls letter to the Philippians. Christ
became man and Emptied himself taking the form of a slave being born in
human likeness. (Phil.2:7)
Jesus persisted in using this term Son of Man to show how he had taken
upon himself our weakened humanity.
I want to be called the Son of Man because I lower myself taking upon
myself all the miseries of man (True Life in God Vol.11 P.293 Vassula
Ryden National Book store)
Other Titles Jesus uses to designate Himself.

I am the bread of Life. (John 6:35)
I am the Light of the World. (John 8:12)
I am the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11), (10:14)
I am the Gate for the Sheep. (John 10:7),(10:9)
I am the resurrection and the Life. (John 11:25)
I am the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
None of the Synoptics use any of these spiritual analogies.
In two important instances Christ is called the King of Israel.
1. When Nathanael is taken by Philip to Jesus. (John 1:49)

2. When Pilate has the title King of the Jews written on the headboard of
the cross. (John 19:19)
John begins his gospel with the affirmation that Christ is God.
- and the word was God. (John 1:1)
And he ends it,(chp.20) with the marvelous affirmation from Thomas.
My Lord and my God. (John 20:28)
He goes even further, establishing the reason why the gospel was written.
But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the
Messiah, the Son of God and that through this belief, you may have life in his
name. (John 20:31)
The Plan of Johns Gospel.
(Adapted from The Gospel and Epistles of John R.E Brown P.16-17,St. Pauls)
1:1 -18 The Prologue.
1:19-12:50 The Book of Signs.
1. Seven days gradual revelation of Jesus
2. A. The Replacement of Old Testament Institutions.
(2:1-11)CANA replacement of Jewish Purifications.
(2:13-25)JERUSALEM replacement of the Temple.
(3:1-36) NICODEMUS replacement of birth into Chosen People
(4:1-42) SAMARITAN WOMAN replacement of worship at Jerusalem.
(4:43-54) 2nd Cana Miracle closes the section.
B. Reaction to Jesus
(2:13-25) Temple Authorities Official Judaism.
(3:1-36) Nicodemus the Pharisee.
(4:1-42) Samaritan Many Samaritans Believed.
(4:43-54) Royal official Galileans.
3. A. Replacement of Old Testament feasts.

The Sabbath Jesus the New Moses replaces the Sabbath.
(5:1-47)
Passover The Bread of Life replaces the Manna.
(6:1-71)
Tabernacles The Source of Living water replaces the light and Water
Ceremonies.
(7:1-10:21)
Dedication Jesus is consecrated in place of the Temple Altar.
(10:22-42)
B. The theme of LIFE (5:1-7:52) and LIGHT (8:1-10:42)
4. The LAZARUS events (11:1-12:36)
The BOOK of Glory.

1. The LAST SUPPER
a) Washing of the feet and the betrayal (13:1-30)
b) The Last discourse
Introduction (13:31-38)
Part One (14:1-31)
Part two (15:1-16:3)
Part Three (17:1-26) The Priestly Prayer.
2. JESUS PASSION AND DEATH (18:1 -19:42)
a) The Garden Scene. (18:1-12)
b) Inquiry before Annas.(18:12-27)
c) Trial before Pilate. (18:28-19:16)
d) Crucifixion ,death and burial. (19:17-46)
3. THE RESURRECTION ,ASCENSION and CONFERRING of the HOLY SPIRIT
(20:1-31)
Was John aware of the Synoptic Gospels?
The closest similarities are with Mark - - but John draws upon an
independent and different tradition (or traditions) of Jesus deeds and
sayings. - - There is no convincing evidence that the fourth evangelist knew
the present form of the Synoptic Gospels.
(The Gospel and Epistles of John P.12. R.E Brown St. Pauls)
The Gospel of St.John

Section by Section.
The Prologue. (1:1-18)
This appears to be a hymn.

Vs.1-5 recall the Genesis account of Creation.
Reflects Johns concept of a great cycle. the Son descends from
heaven to our level and ascends back to heaven bringing us up with
him to the divine level.
(Brown. Ibid. P.21)
John the Baptist

The insertion here of John the Baptist seems to be the work of the Redactor.
The prophet Malachi had spoken of a messenger who would come to
prepare the day of the Lord.(Mal.3:1-3)
(John and his Witness,R.Collins. P.11 St.Pauls)
This messenger was believed by the Jews to be Elijah returning to earth.
Only the fourth evangelist portrays John as the privileged visionary of

the descent of the Spirit.(John 1:32) (Collins op.cit P.31)
John was baptizing at Bethany across the Jordan. This place was
outside the promised land.It has never been identified.
John performed no miracles.
Some priests and Levites from Jerusalem interrogated John concerning
himself. Was he the Messiah? ,Was he Elijah? John defends himself
denying these claims.His main role was to witness to the Lamb of God.
1:9-11 Rejection of the Light.
1:12-13 Acceptance of the Light. The whole concept of Light as
opposed to darkness seems to have been influenced by the Essenes,
as reflected in their Dead Sea Scrolls.
John the Evangelist was a disciple of John the Baptist and could have
absorbed this concept from him. John the Baptist is believed to have
been brought up in the wilderness by an Essenes hermit.
The First Disciple

John the Evangelist leads us to believe that Andrew was the first disciple. It
was really John.
John of Zebedee is a pure soul. - - He was my first disciple, who loved me
from the very first moment he saw me. (Poem of the Man God M.Valtorta,
Bk.1 P.255 Centro Editoriale Valtortiano)
He ,the first one responsible for Peters coming to me - - He wants Andrew

to appear as Christs first apostle with Peter. (Valtorta ,op.cit Bk.1 P.267)
The Call of Nathanael of Cana.

Nathanael recognizes Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel
when Jesus relates to Nathanael what happened under the fig three.
John is the only evangelist to mention Nathanael.None of the Synoptic
lists of Apostles mentions him. (Matt.10:2-4)(Mark 3:16-19) (Luke 6:1416) (Acts 1:13)
He seems not to have been an Apostle but rather a dedicated disciple. John
mentions him going fishing in Chp.21:2.
There is a widespread belief that Nathanael and Bartholomew are one

and the same person.
Yet there is not a shred of historical evidence that Nathanael and
Bartholomew were the same person. (Collins,opcit. P.86)
His name in Hebrew means God has given in Greek Theodore.
His reward was to be a vision like Jacobs ladder.
The Wedding at Cana. (Jn.2:1-11) (Gen 28:11-12)

Why is Jesus there?
Mary is either a relation or close friend of the bridegrooms relatives
,because She is on familiar terms with them. (Valtorta op.cit. Bk1 P.281)
Jesus calls Mary his Mother Woman.

It is strange for him to speak this way.
The reason for his refusal of common interest in Marys request is that his
hour has not yet come. - - - For John the hour of Jesus par excellence is
the hour of his glorification through death and resurrection. (Brown,op.cit
P.28)
From the moment My mission started,I was no longer the Son submissive to
My Mother,but I was the servant of God.My moral ties with My Mother were
broken. - - - Our love suffered no interruptions,neither did it even cool down.
He Sanctifies Marriage by his presence.

6 jars x 20 gals. Is a lot of wine.
Abundance of Wine was a sign of Messianic days.Wine represents wisdom

and teaching.
The prophet Amos had this to say: The time is surely coming,says the Lord when the one who ploughs shall
overtake the one who reaps,and the treader of grapes the one who sows the
seed: The mountains shall drip sweet wine,and all the hills shall flow with it.
(Amos 9:13)
This miracle is the first of the signs Jesus worked. It is found only in
John.
Jesus performed it to strengthen the faith of his apostles.
The Jars were multipurpose.Their contents could be used for drinking or

Washing, or cooking.Normally the water would be used for ablutions,to
cleanse utensils and wash hands and feet.
Here Jesus replaces the Jewish purifications with wine for celebration.
Cleansing of the Temple. (John 2:13-35)
John places this near the start of Christs Ministry.
Visitors could purchase the animals necessary for sacrifice and change their
money for Tyrian half sheckels.(Coins religiously not objectionable)
(Brown,op.cit P.30)
In cleansing the temple,Jesus is attacking the temple itself.The temple is the
center of Jewish worship.
The temple loses its meaning in the presence of the son of God.
This is the second Jewish Institution that Christ replaces.

Nicodemus. (John 3:1-36)
He comes at night.He is unsure of this radical figure.He knowns there is

something remarkable about Jesus.He addresses Jesus as Rabbi.
Jesus explains that to enter his kingdom one has to be born of water
and the Spirit.Nicodemus misunderstands Jesus.
Jesus uses an example of the wind to explain the workings of the

Holy Spirit.This is a reasonable analogy,because in Greek,Wind and
spirit are the same word pneuma.
Later,Nicodemus will become a brave and dedicated supporter of
Jesus.
Here Jesus replaces the normal birth into Jewish culture with rebirth
through water and the spirit into the kingdom of God.
Discourse with the Samaritan Women.

Jews did not talk to Samaritans.Much less a Jewish man talking to a
Samaritan woman.Why this antipathy?
At the fall of Samaria to the Assyrian Sargon in 731 BC,the inhabitants were
deported to distant Assyrian Provinces and were replaced by people
relocated from elsewhere.These new people were foreigners.They
intermarried with the Jews remaining in Israel.By the time of Christ,the
Samaritan religion was a mixture of Mosaic and Pagan beliefs.
The Samaritans accepted only the books of the Torah.They rejected the
Writingsand the Prophets. But they anticipated the coming of a special
prophet.
Samaritan tradition expected the Prophet to uncover the lost temple
vessels and to vindicate its own tradition of worship,not in Jerusalem but on
Mt.Gerizim,which they took to be the location of Jacobs heavenly vision in
Gen 28:16-18. (NJBC. op.cit P.957 Art 61)
These temple vessels are reported to have been buried by Moses.
Pilate was sacked by Rome,disgusted at the death of Christ,because

In AD 35 he attacked,imprisoned or slaughtered some credulous Samaritans
gathered on Mt.Gerizim to witness the discovery of sacred vessels alledgely
buried by Moses on their holy mountain. (NJBC op.cit P.1249 Art.168)
Who was this Woman?
We know her name is Photinai. (Valtorta Bk.2 P.14)
She is tall with a beautiful strongly marked figure. - - her rather pulmp
features are typically oriental and slightly soft,as is customary with Arab
women. - - She is wearing several rings on her rather plump dark fingers and
bracelets on her wrists,- - heavy ear rings hang down as far as her neck and
shine under the veil. (Valtorta op.cit. Bk2 P.12)
Where are your children?
The women lowers her head completely and does not reply. `You have none
in this world.But their little souls whom you prevented from seeing the day of
their birth,are reproaching you and always will . (Valtorta ibid Bk2 P.14) No
wonder Photinai thought Jesus was a prophet.He knew her darkest secrets.
Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again;but whoever drinks the
water I shall give will never thirst (John 4:13-14)
Sir give me this water so that I may not be thirsty= She was thinking about
water from the well.
She did not understand the water welling up to eternal life who
could blame her?
The end result of this drama was that,
Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the
woman who testified, `He told me everything I have done (John 4:39)
Johns community at Ephesus also had Samaritan converts.

John is the only Evangelist to include this episode.
The reply of Jesus,
believe me woman,the hour is coming when you will worship the
Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. (John 4:21)
Showed that he would replace worship in Jerusalem when his church would
begin with Pentecost.The Father would be worshipped everywhere as would
he.
- - the true standard of worship is belief in Jesus (NJBC op.cit P.957 Art 61)
Philip was sent to evangelize Samaria. (Acts 8:4-25)
Second Sign at Cana (John 4:43-54)

The Royal officials son,ill at Capernaum,is healed by Jesus.
There are similar incidents reported in Matthew,(Matt.8:5-13)and (Luke 7:110) In both these cases it is a gentile Roman Centurion asking for help.In
Matthew,the centurion is asking for the healing of his servant.The same is

the case in Lukes account.
Are these variants of the same story?
It is possible because,
All three miracles take place in Capernaum,but in Johns account the whole
household of the official is converted.In Matthew and Luke there is no such
conversion but rather praise for the gentiles faith.
The climax then in Johns account is the restoration of Life.
The Cure on the Sabbath. (John 5:1-47)
This incident took place on a Feast.We are not told which feast.
Scholars believe it is the feast of Pentecost.This was an ancient harvest

festival which came to be linked to a remembrance of the Law given on
Mt.Sinai.
7 weeks or 50 days (Pentacost) after the barley harvest,the wheat
harvest was celebrated.
At the Pool at Bethesda Jesus heals a man who had been ill 38 years. Take
up your mat and walk (John 5:11) Rabbinic law forbade the carrying of a
bed on the Sabbath.
Jesus, the New Moses replaces the Sabbath ordinance.
The Jews accuse him of appropriating divine power to himself.He rebuts them
with the statement that as His Father works and gives life, so also does the
Son give life to whom ever he wishes. (John 5:21)
He tells the Jewsthat the time would come shortly when the dead will
rise to life or condemnation.(at the Resurrection)
Witnesses to Jesus
No witness can be given by one person to convict another.There needs to be
two or three witnesses. (Deut 17:6)
Who were these witnesses?
1. John the Baptist.

You sent emissaries to John and he testified to the truth. (John 5:33)
2. Jesus own works.
these works that I perform testify on my behalf. (John 5:36)
3. The Father.
Moreover,the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf. (John 5:37)
The real witness on Jesus behalf is the Father. (NJBC P.960 Art 82)
Feeding the 5000 (John 6:1-71)
John has only one miracle of the loaves and fishes.

It is really a Test of Philip. Philip fails the test because he
misunderstands.He thinks about buying food.
5 barley loaves and two fish are miraculously enough to feed 5000
people.
Jesus distributes the loaves and fish.It is difficult to believe he did this
on his own.He probably distributed the food through his apostles and
disciples. After all,they were the ones to collect 12 baskets of leftovers.
12 tribes of Israel.
Jesus replaces the Manna in the desert with the Bread of Life.
His disciples embark for Capernaum .Jesus follows them,walking on the

water.He reassures them with the majestic I am. Do not be afraid
(John 6:21)
The next day Jesus gives his famous discourse on the Bread of Life.
(John 6:35-58)
The manna conferred life for a day. The Eucharist brings eternal life.
Each Holy Communion makes you more capable of communing with God
throughout eternity (Diary Divine Mercy in my Soul Sr.Faustina P.548
St. Pauls)
As their ancestors murmured in the desert about the manna.(Numbers

11:4-9)So the Jews murmured about this new Manna.His words were
greeted with disbelief.The Apostles were bewildered.Those who turned
away were Many.They had expected material bread.(John 6:66) Jesus
wished to give them spiritual bread.
It was a great test for the Apostles.Peter spoke up as the leader,
Lord,where can we go? To whom? You are our life and our love.You alone
have words of eternal life.We know you are the Christ the Son of God.If
you wish,send us away.But we will not leave you of our own free will, -
No Johannine reader could have overlooked the connection between the
loss of disciples in the narrative and the communitys own experiences of
betrayal and desertion.
(NJBC. opcit. P.963 Art.101)
The Feast of the Tabernacles.
The fast of Tabernacles is a, Week long feast (with an added eight
day)celebrated in September/October at the fall harvest in order to pray
for early rain in the winter season.We might note these aspects of the
feast : a) The people lived in huts or bowers to recall their ancestors
sojourn in the desert; b) to symbolize the need for rain,there was a daily
procession from the pool of Siloam bringing water as a libation to the
temple; c) The court of women in the temple was lighted by immense
toches. (Brown,op.cit P.48-49)
Jesus went to the feast secretly.He taught in the temple and met
opposition for healing the man at the pool of Bethesda.He justified his
actions on humanitarian grounds. (John 7:23)
The Messiah was to remain hidden.(John 7:27)
Temple guards were sent to arrest Jesus but they returned empty
handed.
Never before has anyone spoken like this one. (John 7:46)
Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. (John 7:37)
Jesus,the source of living water and light to the world replaces the water
and light ceremonies of the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Woman Caught in Adultery. (John 7:53 to 8:11)
This incident is out of place here.It is the work of a copyist. This story
did not find its way into manuscripts of the gospel until the 3rd
Century. (NJBC P.965 Art 115)
It is a trap for Jesus,like the coin of Caesar.If he rejects the law of Moses
he will be condemned.If he agrees to the womans death he will break
the law of Rome.
He wrote with his finger,the sins of the accusers.
The woman was really guilty, her husband was away working.But they were
insincere being scandalized at something they had committed thousands of
times and that only greater cunning and better luck had allowed to remain
concealed - - but none of the accusers,both male and female because also
women accused her in their hearts even if they did not raise their voices
were free from sin. (Valtorta op.cit Bk4 P.505)
Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at
her. (John 8:7)
This is a stern warning from Jesus.
Those who are witnesses against an accused person have a special
responsibility for that persons death. (NJBC. P.965 Art 115)
The Law stated that the penalty for adultery was death. (Normally by
stoning)
If a man is caught lying with the wife of another man both of them shall
die,the man who lay with the woman as well as the woman. (Deut. 22:22)
Why did the accusers bring only the woman to Jesus?
The cure of the Man born blind. (John 9:1-41)
Healing with spittle and kneading clay (John 9:6) were both actions that
infringed the Sabbath.
The Jews believed such misfortune as blindness was due to sin either
of the parents or the man himself.
Jesus refuses to attribute illness to sin despite the belief that it was
punishment implying guilt. (Brown op.cit P.55)
Jesus says,
It is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. (John 9:3)
The parents were interrogated by the Jews .They were afraid to
acknowledge Christ as the Messiah lest they be expelled from the
Synagogue.The man himself is interrogated twice by the Pharisees.he chides
them with the question.Do you want to become his disciples too?
9:27)
(John
He was thrown out just as Johns community at Ephesus was expelled

from the Synagogue.
When Jesus finds the man again,the man readily accepts Jesus as the
Son of Man.
Whereas the Jews themselves remain blind in their anger.Their sin is the sin
of disbelief.
The Good Shepherd. (John 10:1-18)
I am the gate for the sheep. (John 10:7)
The gatekeeper was very important.
At night the shepherds who live in tribal tents leave their sheep in these
enclosures,coming in the morning to take their sheep out to pasture. (Brown
ibid P.59) The gatekeeper knows all the shepherds.The sheep recognize only
the voice of their shepherd. They do not come out to the call of other
shepherds or strangers.
I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:14)
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
because 1. He is willing to lay down his life for his sheep.
2. He knows his sheep. (Brown ,ibid P.59)
Like any good farmer,the shepherd probably has names for each of his flock.
He identifies them by specific physical characteristics,so he can say,
I know mine and mine know me. (John 10:14)
I have other sheep that do not belong to his fold (John 10:16)
Whoever he has in mind,he intends to gather them also,so that there
will be one flock.
Samaritans? Greeks? Romans? We do not know.However we do know
that he prays for them during his priestly prayer. (John 17:20)
I lay down my life in order to take it up again. (John 10:17)
Jesus shows that his death is not forced upon him, No one takes it from
me,but I lay it down on my own (John 10:18)
He freely gives up his life for his followers.He is completely in charge.

The Feast of the Dedication (John 10:22 -42)
This is the last in the series of feasts which Jesus will reinterpret and
replace.The Dedication or Hanukkah comes around Christmas time,in the
heart of winter.The feast celebrates the dedication of an altar and the
reconstruction of the Temple by the Machabees after several years of
desecration under the Syrian rulers. (164 BC) (Brown ibid.P.60)
Antiochus Epiphanes had plundered the temple in 169 BC. The golden
altar,golden candlestands,table of offerings,golden sacred utensils and other
treasures,were all taken away.
In 167 BC he had an Altar to the Greek God Zeus,placed in the holy
sanctuary and forbade any other sacrifices except those to the Olympian
Zeus. The Jews rose up under Judas Maccabeus.Antiochus was away fighting
the Parthians in the North East.He sent an army under Lysias to quell the
revolt.Lysias and his generals were beaten.Judas restored the temple
furniture and removed the altar to Zeus.He then had the Temple rededicated.
The Father and I are one (John 10:30) To the Jews this was
blasphemy.This claim to equality with God and his consecration by the Father
riled the Jews so much so,that again they tried to arrest him.
Jesus, consecrated by the Father,replaces the consecration of the
temple.Their real God was in their midst,not in the temple.
The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:17 -45)
Lazarus had suffered a serious infection that left his legs swollen.He had
difficulty walking.As the months went by,the disease spread,leading to his
death.His body was a putrifying mass.
Nicodemus asks Joseph why the need for an urgent burial,
Because Lazarus was already rotten when he died.My steward told me that
although resins were burning in the rooms and perfumes have been spread
profusely on the dead body,the stench of the corpse is smelt even at the
porch of the house. (Valtorta op.cit. Bk5. P.35)
Present at the sepulcher when Jesus arrives are the following : -
Joseph,Nicodemus ,John,Eleazer,the other John the scribe - - Gamaliel,with

his son,Joshua,Joachim,Manaen - - Joseph Barnabas the disciple of Gamaliel
and Chuza.
(Valtorta ,ibid Bk5. P.49)
Present also were many Judaeans,Pharisees,Rabbis,Scribes,Sadducees.These
are all hostile to Jesus.
Lazarus Come out! (John 11:43) cries Jesus.
the dead body enveloped in its bandages,comes slowly forward becoming
more visible,more mysterious and more awful (Valtorta ,ibid Bk5. P.54)
The Judaens are dumbfounded and bursting with wrath.Among them are ,
Sadoc,Helkai,Hananiah,Felix,Doras and Cornelius. (Valtorta ,ibid. Bk5. P.57)
This is the greatest miracle Jesus performed.
He had raised the recently dead son of the widow of Naim (Luke 7:11-15) and
the daughter of Jairus, (Luke 8:54-55) both dead only a short time,but here at
Bethany he reconstituted the decomposing body of a sick man dead for four
days.Lazarus was not in a coma.
The Lazarus miracle and its fame became the prime and immediate cause
of the condemnation of Jesus. (Brown,op.cit P.61)
The chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin.Caiphas was the
High Priest.
Caiaphas had been high priest since AD. 18 and would continue in office
until shortly after Pilates fall from power in AD. 36 (NJBC P.970 Art. 154)
He uttered the famous statement,
- - it is better than one man should die for the people than that the whole
nation be destroyed. (John 11:50)
Ironically,the killing of Jesus led to the end of Gods presence in the temple.In
70 AD. The nation was literally destroyed.
The Anointing at Bethany.
Mary of Magdala,the sister of Martha and Lazarus,anoints Jesus for

burial.
No one amongst the disciples of Jesus shows him greater love than
John of Zebedee and the convert Mary Magdalen.
This is the second anointing by Mary.The first one took place in the
house of Simon the Pharisee.Her name is not mentioned in Lukes
account of the incident. (Luke 7:36-50)However Maria Valtorta had a
vision of the occasion at Bethany and states,
Mary then repeats the loving gesture of an evening long ago.

(Valtorta,op.cit Bk.5 P.364)
Care for burial is counted an Act of Charity a higher class of good works
than almsgiving. (Brown ,op.cit P.67)
A large crowd of Jews had come to Bethany drawn by news of the astounding
miracle.They wanted to see for themselves,this man raised from the
dead.Because of this, the chief Priests plotted to kill Lazarus too. (John
12:10)
Jesus enters Jerusalem (John 12:12-16)
Jesus fulfils the prophecy of Zechariah.

Lo, your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious is he,humble
and riding on a donkey,on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zech. 9:9)
John mentions palm branches. (John 12:13)
The Messiah as one who comes in peace,not with a war chariot. - palm branches - - not native to Jerusalem ,they had to be imported for
(the Feast of) Tabernacles.
(NJBC P.971. Art 160)
Jesus comes in such a fashion to show that he comes in peace.The people

shout hosannas and call him king but they will not understand his kingdom
until after his death and resurrection.
He eventually stops near the fortress Antonia,dismounts and goes into

the temple.He orders the moneychangers and merchants to leave.As
they are slow to obey,he
goes to the nearest bench and turns it over spreading scales and money
on the ground. (Valtorta op.cit Bk5. P.403)
John does not mention this account.But it is here Jesus says Away from
the house of my Father - - My house will be called a house of prayer
(Valtorta ibid .Bk5. P.402)
He goes towards the porches where the sick and the crippled are
gathered.They call out to him Glory to the Son of David Hosanna to
Jesus of Nazareth.
He makes a wide gesture with his hand and grace and health descend
upon all the sick. (Valtorta ibid. Bk5. P.403)
He leaves the city and returns to the Mount of Olives.
Some Greeks come to Philip.
Philip is from Bethsaida in gentile Galilee.He was probably familiar with
Greeks.They approach him with ease.Philip takes them to Andrew and
both confer with Jesus.
Their coming is a sign that his mission to the house of Israel is over.
(Brown,op.cit P.68)
This is followed by a strange theophany.Then came a voice from
heaven,after Jesus asks to glorify the Fathers name.
I have glorified it and will glorify it again. (John 12:28)
The crowd thought it was thunder.Jesus makes a statement that confuses
the listeners,
And when I am lifted up from the earth,I will draw everyone to myself.
(John 12:32)
He was indicating his death. but no one understood.
The End of the Book of Signs. And the End of Christs Public Ministry.
The Book of GLORY. (13:1 20:31)

The Last Supper.
The moment of Christs ascent back to the Father begins now.
His hour has begun.
When Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles it was a lesson in

humility.
(John 13:1-17)
The washing of guests feet was a menial task done by slaves.It was
part of the ritual of hospitality.
He predicts his betrayal and death.
- - so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. (John

13:19)
The Apostles were reminded that Christ,the Messiah was really God.
The announcement that one of them would betray Jesus caused
Peter to nod to John to ask Jesus who it was.It all seemed to be done
so quietly that one suspects not everyone was listening.
When Judas left after eating the morsel dipped in sauce,some of those
present thought Judas was sent to buy something or give money to the
poor. (John 13:29)
John states that Satan entered into Judas and it was night.This was a
reflection of the opposing forces of light vs darkness.
Jesus was in Control. He gave the order to Judas to go and go
quickly.
Despite the protestations of love and loyalty from Peter,Jesus with
foreknowledge he always possessed,tells Peter that Peter will
shortly deny him three times.
John does not mention the institution of the Blessed Eucharist.We do
not know why.
The Last Discourse (14:1 17:26)
This is a literary complex like Matthews Sermon on the mount.There

are many sayings of Jesus put together.Who collected them,we dont
know.
Part One.
Contains references to his departure.Thomas does not know where

Jesus is going,nor the way to the Father.
Philips misunderstanding of who the Father is,is just as profound.
Jesus stresses his unity with the Father.
On the conditions of love and keeping Christs commandments,Jesus
promises to send another Advocate to help the Apostles.This just
muddies the waters and leaves them (the Apostles) more bewildered.
Judas (Thaddeus)asks a pertinent question.What happened that you
will reveal yourself to us and not to the world? (John 14:22)
Jesus answers indirectly that the Christian who keeps Christs words
will have the indwelling of the Father.The world is not ready to accept
Christs revelation of the Father.
Jesus knows the limited understanding of the Apostles but assures

them that the Advocate sent by the Father will clarify all things for
them.
The Father is greater than I. (John 14:23)
Some Christian sects use these words to reject the co-equalness of the
Trinity.In fact they reject the concept of Trinity altogether.eg. the Jehova
Witnesses.
For Catholics it is to be understood as meaning that Jesus in his human
nature is less than the Trinitys divine nature.
As a parting gift Christ grants the eleven apostle his peace.This is a

deep abiding peace based on his love for them.
Part two
The Vine and the Branches. (15:1 27)
In the Old Testament,Israel is portrayed as a vineyard or vine. (Hos.10:1)
(Isa. 5:1-7)
(Ps.80:8-19)
This is a beautiful metaphor.Christ applies it to the relationship between
himself and us.
If we are united with Christ then he will abide in us and we will have life
abiding in him.
Verse 12 is the overall commandment for his followers. Love one

another as I have loved you.
Then follows Verse 13 and its description of the epitome of love,

to lay down ones life for ones friends.
Exactly what he did for the world.
Jesus reminds the Apostles that the world will hate them just as it
hated him.In fact with the exception of John,they would all lay down
their lives for Jesus.
The Advocate would testify to all of Christs works just as they would
testify.
Jesuss departure will bring the Advocate.
16:4-33 appears to be a duplicate of Part one of the Last Discourse 14 :

1-31.
The Apostles do not comprehend why he uses the term a little while.
He eases their bewilderment with the analogy of a woman in child birth

whose anguish turns to joy at the birth of a child.Their loss at his departure
will be overturned with joy at his resurrection.
Part three
The Priestly Prayer (17:1-26)
The great High Priest presents a prayer of Union.
As God the Son,Jesus never left the Father,but now the human nature he
assumed is to be glorified in his presence. (Brown,op.cit P.85)
Jesus prays for the protection of his followers (vs.9-16)and their

consecration.(vs 17-19)
He prays also for those who will believe because of their preaching.
The indwelling of Jesus,I in them and they in Me(v.23)provides the
great bond of Union Connecting all Christians for all time to the Father.
(Brown,ibid. P.86)
Jesus is Arrested (18:1-12)
John says Judas came with a band of soldiers and guards from the
chief,Priests and the Pharisees. (John 18:3) These were not Roman
Soldiers.Judas brings a motley band of guards, a horde of
bandits,disguised as soldiers,who look like jail birds and grin like
devils.There is also an odd champion of the temple.
(Valtorta,op.cit Bk.5 P.537)
Judas kisses Jesus on the cheek.This symbol of affection is forever
debased to become a sign of betrayal.
When Jesus tells them his name, I am,they all fall to the ground
like mown sheaves of corn.
Jesus could have incinerated this rabble with a glance.
Judas narrowly avoids being cut down by Simon Peters sword,and
is pursued by the stones and sticks thrown at him by the apostles
not armed with swords,he escapes beyond the Kidron and
disappears in a dark lane. (Valtorta,ibid.Bk5. P.538)
Peter strikes Malchus,the servant of the high priest,almost severing
his right ear.There is a lot of blood.There is chaos.It is Luke who
tells us that Jesus restored the mans ear, (Luke 22:51)and rebukes
Peter.
John does not describe Jesus agony - - He simply shows the majesty of
Jesus.
(How to Read the New Testament, Etienne
Charpentier P.99 Claretian Publication)
In the house of Annas,Jesus is interrogated and receives a blow from

one of the temple guards.Peter follows.
Annas dismisses Jesus and sends him to the house of Caiaphas.

Peter gains entrance to the house of Caiaphas through the intercession of
the Other disciplean acquaintance of the high priest. this information
probably gave rise to the second century tradition that John (thought to be
the disciple)was a priest. (Brown,ibid. P.89)
The Sanhedrin is called.It is early morning. Caiaphas interrogates
Jesus.Joseph of Arimathea objects to the conduct of the trial. May the fire of
heaven fall upon you! As from this moment be aware that Joseph the Elder is
an enemy of the Sanhedrin and a friend of the Christ. (Valtorta ,op.cit. Bk5.
P.552 553)
Gamaliel,Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus object to the illicit trial and go
out.
Jesus is struck again with a blow to his mouth.
Peter denies Jesus for a third time.The Cock crows.
Jesus is taken on a long tedious walk through Jerusalem,past markets and
stables,to the fortress Antonia.People hurl waste vegetables and animal
excrement at the easy target.
Roman Soldiers take the prisoner and disperse the rabble.The priests,Annas
and Caiaphas remain outside the practorium lest they be defiled.
Pilate is called.
Pilate seems unacquainted with the case when Jesus is brought before him.
(NJBC P.979 Art 207)
The Trial before Pilate (John 18:28-19:16)
Pilate shuffles between the Jews outside the Praetorium and Jesus inside the
Praetorium.
When Jesus is asked,are you king of the Jews?Jesus answers that his
kingdom is not of this world and therefore not a threat to Rome.
Pilate goes out to the Jews and offers to release to them Barabbas.But
you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover.
(John 18:39)
There is little evidence for a custom of releasing such a criminal.

(Brown,op.cit P.91)
The crowd objects.

Pilate has Jesus scourged.John mentions it in only eight words.
There is no reference in Johns gospel of Jesus being sent to Herod.
The scourging is horrific.

Jesus has his hands tied to a ring on a protruding iron bar attached to a
column three meters high.His hands are tied above his head and his toes
barely touch the stone floor.He is undressed.
Two executioners,not regular Roman Soldiers,armed with scourges,
Made of seven leather strips tied to a handle and ending with small lead
hammers.
(Valtorta ,op.cit Bk.5 P.563)
Begin to systematically strike the body of Jesus front and back from head to
foot.No part of the sacred body is psared,The whole body is bruised and cut
open.
Our evidence for his brutality is the Shroud of Turin.
The crowning with thorns and mockery of Jesus was the innovation of
hardened Roman Soldiers.
Scourging usually formed part of the Crucifixion punishment in order
to weaken the prisoner. (Brown,opcit. P.91)
I find no guilt in him. (John 19:4)
The Jews frightened the cowardly Pilate with threats of reporting him to
Caesar,Pilate caved in.He was afraid of Rome.
He seated himself on the Judgement Seat,called for a basin of

water;symbolically washed his hands of the guilt of the death of Jesus
and ordered Christs execution.He also ordered an inscription written in
Latin,Greek and Hebrew,to be attached to the top of the cross, Jesus
the Nazorean,the King of the Jews. The chief priests objected to the
wording but Pilate answered,
What I have written,I have written. (John 19:22)

John does not describe the journey to calvary.Simon of Cyrene,the women
of Jerusalem,Veronica etc.get no mention at all.
What John does mention are :a) The soldiers dividing up Christs clothes and casting lots for
his seamless tunic.
b) The sponge offered to Jesus on a sprig of hyssop.
c) Mary the Mother and John the Beloved disciple standing at
the foot of the cross.
d) The commission of Mary into the care of John and Mary as
mother of all disciples.
The mention of a twig of hyssop being used to hold the sponge
soaked in wine,
is strange until we remember that hyssop
dipped in the blood of the Paschal Lamb was used to smear
doorposts as a sign of Gods protection in the Jewish Passover
reenactment of the Exodus. (Brown,op.cit. P.94-95)
John also mentions something not reported in the Synoptics,
the piercing of the side of Christ with a lance.
and immediately blood and water flowed out. (John 19:34)
The text for not breaking a bone is taken from the ritual for the Paschal
Lamb in the book of Numbers.( Num.9:12)
The details John adds are significant because of all the disciples ,he was the
only one to witness the Passion of Christ from start to finish.
The Burial of Jesus (John 19:38 -42)
None of the evangelists tell us what happened to the bodies of the two
thieves.
As to the body of Christ, John tells us that Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate
for permission to take down the body and bury it.Permission was
granted.Those present at the removal of Christs body were, John,Mary

Christs Mother,Mary Magdalen,Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
Nicodemus contributes an immense amount of spices.(100lbs. ca.45 kgs)
Two shrouds are used.One to take down Christs body from the cross and
transfer it to Josephs Sepulchre at the base of Calvary ,and the second one
used to cover Christs body in the tomb.
Some time after Christs Resurrection,Nicodemus comes to Mary in the Supper
house.Joseph is his companion.Nicodemus asks Mary for the first shroud, I was
thinking of making a statue of Jesus crucified as best I can I will use one of my
gigantic cedars of Lebanon and of concealing one of the shrouds inside it,the first
one,if you,Mother will give it back to us. (Valtorta op.cit Bk.5 P.903)
Mary gives the first shroud to Nicodemus.
The Empty Tomb. (John 20:19-23)

Mary Magdalen goes there first.She sees that the stone covering the
entrance has been removed.She runs to tell Peter and John. I went ahead - to buy the guards - - so that they would let us go.They are like dead bodies - the Sepulchre is open,the stone is on the ground - - who? Who did it ?
(Valtorta ,ibid. Bk.5 P.706)
She suspects someone has stolen Christs body.
John and Peter run to the Tomb.John knows where the Sepulchre
is.Peter does not.John arrives first but waits for Peter.Both enter the
tomb and see the burial cloths folded but no body.The go away
mystified.The guards are gone before John and Peter arrive.Mary
Magdalen has followed Peter and John.Weeping,she bends over looking
into the tomb.Two angels are sitting there.
She turns and sees the gardener. Sir if you have carried him
away.Tell me where you laid him,and I will take him. (John 20:15) I
am the daughter of Theophilus,I am Lazarus sister,but I am on my
knees before you to implore you,like a slave.Do you want me to pay
you for His body? I will do so.How much do you want? I am rich.I can
give you as much gold and as many gems as it weighs.But give it back
to me.I will not denounce you. (Valtorta op.cit Bk.5 P.709)
Mary! Rabboni!
Do not touch me! I have not yet ascended to my Father in this

appearance.
I do not let her touch me.She is not the Pure One - - she still has much to
purify through penance. (Valtorta op.cit Bk.5 P.714)
That same day in the evening Jesus appears to the disciples through locked
doors. Peace be with you. He breaths on them giving them the Holy Spirit
and the authority to forgive sins. (John 20:20-23)
Jesus is re-creating them with the Holy Spirit.- - We usually think of the Holy
Spirit being given on Pentecost ,but that is the official and public descent of
the spirit for directing the churchs mission in the world.- - that a real gift of
the Spirit is involved here on Easter Night was made clear at the Second
Council of Constantinople .(AD 553) It is a gift that has relationship to the
forgiveness of sins. (Brown,op.cit P.99)
Thomas is absent.A week later Christ appears again to the Apostles.This time
Thomas is present. My Lord and my God! (John 20:28)
On this triumphant and absolute affirmation of Jesus divinity,the Gospel
ends.At the beginning John told us the word was God.Now he repeats it at
the end and blesses those who accept it on faith. i.e. True Christians of all
time. (Brown, ibid. P.100)
The Epilogue. (Jn.21:1-25)
Chp.21 probably represents a collection of early resurrection stories added
by the Redactor.It seems to have been added before the Gospel was
circulated.
These resurrection appearances in Galilee seem to be quite independent of
the Jerusalem appearances.
Three Separate Scenes.
One: The fishermen are 7.They have caught nothing.A stranger calls from the
shore and advises them to cast their net on the right side of the boat.The
result is a miraculous catch of 153 fish.John recognizes Christ.Fish and bread
are already prepared.Why does Jesus ask for more fish?It appears that only
the fire was burning.There were no fish cooking until Peter guts and cleans
some and brings them to the fire.
Two: (John 21:15-19)
This is reparation for Peters denials of Jesus.Peter is commissioned as

shepherd of Jesus flock.Peter was always impetuous but now Jesus warns
him indirectly that he will have to lay down his life for these sheep.
Three: The Beloved Disciple. (John 21:20-23)
Peter is really told M.Y.O.B. what if I want him to remain till I come?
Peter misunderstood this to mean that John will live till the second coming of
Christ.We know John was the last Apostle to die.The added Chapter closes
with an assurance that the Gospel is true and the work of the Beloved
Disciple.
The First Letter of St. John.

The three writings which we speak of as Johannine epistles do not claim to
have been written by the author of the fourth Gospel but by an unknown
person who calls himself the Elder (2 Jn 1, 3 Jn1) Scholars think that there
was a school of teachers in the Johannine churches. They were disciples of
the beloved disciple.
( Reading the New Testament, P.Perkins , P.304 St.Pauls)
The three letters present us with a crisis in the Johannine community. How
big this community is, we dont know. We presume that it was based in
Ephesus and contains an ideology that is remote from the earlier teachings
of St. Paul. In fact , St. Paul and his writings are never alluded to.
The community or group of churches is split apart. The elder who writes the
three letters sees the imminent danger of the dismemberment of the
Johannine tradition and takes steps to prevent any future erosion by
dissidents who have separated from the main group.
1 John warns the community against the views of the dissedents. The
opponents are castigated for failing to observe the commandment of love,
for being deceivers and anti Christs, for not acknowledging the coming of
Jesus Christ in the flesh.
(1 John 2:7,5:3, 3:7,
2:23, 4:2, 2:18) (N.J.B.C P.986 Art 2)
We will use the term Elder with a capital letter, out of respect for the
authors status.
Chapter 1
The prologue (1:1-4) reflects the prologue in Johns Gospel. It refers clearly to a preexistent Word of God. If John of Zebedee is indeed the author, he can attest to the
truth of the Word of God becoming present in our world.
This is what has been from the beginning, and what we have heard and have seen
with our own eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our own hands, I
mean, the word who is life. (1:1)
This Word was one with the Father in fellowship. (Koinonia in Greek). It is a
fellowship that the writer wishes to establish with his readers so that he , they and
the Godhead may be in one communion. He reinforces this union by using the
collectives we and us.
So we tell you what we have seen and heard, that you may be in fellowship with us
- - - (1:3)
By proclaiming that
God is light and there is no darkness in him, (1:5) the author associates those who
follow the Gospel with living in the light and those who are contrary in their beliefs
with living in darkness.
If we walk in the light Jesus purifies us from sin but we must acknowledge our
sinfulness first.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1:8)
Christ told his disciples
I am the Light of the World: the one who follows me will not walk in darkness but
will have light and life. (Jn 8:12) John must have heard this firsthand.
The first criterion to know if we are walking in the light is to have given up on sin.
Chapter 2
If one falls into sin
We have an intercessor with the Father, Jesus Christ. (2:1)
If one claims fellowship with God but does not demonstrate this in the way one lives
and relates to others,
You are a liar and the truth is not in you. (2:4)
Christs whole gospel is based on one word love. This is not a new commandment.
The author reminds his hearers that this commandment is,
One you had from the beginning. (2:7)
So the second criterion for walking in the light was love, Both of God and fellow
man.
The Elder continues with his theme of light versus darkness.
If you claim to be in the light but hate your brother, you are still in darkness. (2:9)
The Elder turns his attention towards three groups; children, fathers and young
men. He reminds all three groups of their entry into the church. The children have
had their sins forgiven, the fathers know Christ and the young men have stood firm
against evil.
He exhorts all of them not to love the world.
For everything in the world, the craving of the flesh, the greed of eyes and people
boasting of their superiority. All this belongs to the world not to the Father (2:16)
Love of the world and its associated vices reflects attachment to what is
transitory.
(N.J.B.C P.990 Art.21)
The pride of life i.e boasting of ones wealth and position, gives a false sense of
security, not based on the Gospel but on material possessions.
The Elder now shifts to warning his addresees about those who have left the
community. He goes so far as to call them Anti Christs Anyone who is against the
Gospel does in fact become an Anti Christ, but the real AntiChrist of the End times is
a far more dangerous entity.
Many scholars look upon the coming of Christ as the final event of the Last Days.
St. John and many of his contemporaries believed the last hour (v.18) to be
immanent.
The emergence of false prophets and false Christs is a sign of the last days.
Geniune Christians are those steadfast in the faith who,
have the anointing of the Holy One, so that all of you have true wisdom. (2:20)
The author is most probably referring here to being baptized in Christ and receiving
the Holy Spirit with the laying on of hands, even though the Paraklete is not
mentioned specifically.
This anointing teaches them all things. It speaks the truth. Genuine Christians then,
who keep the true faith, can look forward with confidence to the return of Christ and
the promise he himself gave us: eternal life (2:25)
Chapter 3
Christians have by the singular love of God become children of God. This is a
wonderful priviledge. When Christ comes again, not only will they see his glorified
person but they too will be glorified like him.
Those who are Children of God do not sin. For anyone who commits a sin Acts as
an enemy of the law of God. (3:4)
Sinners are children of the devil. Those who sin cannot be Christian. True Christians
on the other hand are born of God and
the seed of God remains in them. (3:9) Despite all these advantages, common
sense and reality itself shows us that Christians do fall into sin. We must
acknowledge our sins before God, ask his forgiveness and strive to do what is right.
The Elder insists that
we must love one another. (3:11) and not behave the way Cain behaved towards
his brother Abel, whom he killed in his jealous anger.
He warns the audience not to be surprised if the world hates them. Christ gave his
life for them and they in turn must be prepared to do the utmost for their brothers
and sisters. They are not to close their hearts to those in need but,
let us love not only with words and with out lips, but in truth and in deed. (3:18)
The Elder raises the question of conscience. If it reproaches the person, then it is for
deeds done for which that person is sorry and the person now relies on the mercy of
God. On the other hand if ones conscience does not condemn a persons actions, it
indicates that that person is trying to please God.
A great benefit of this, is that in prayer,
what ever we ask for we shall receive. (3:22)
Believing in the Son is the same as loving God. If they show love not only for God
but for their fellowmen then they are keeping the greatest of the commandments,
loving one another. The result of this love is that each person who obeys this
command,
remains in God and God in him. (3:24)
Chapter 4
Discernment was essential if Christians were to distinguish between the spirit of

God and the spirit of the anti Christ. The elder calls upon Christians to
test the spirits to see whether they come from God. (4:1)
Because there were many prophets who were false in the words they uttered. The
key to discerning a genuine God given spirit from those of the devil was whether or
not they recognized Jesus as coming from God.
The Elder calls his audience my dear children (4:4) and reminds them that those
who listen to the elders are of God and those who ignore them are of this world and
not of God.
The spirit of Love identifies those who know God, from those who do not. God is
the source of love.
Let us love one another for love comes from God. (4:7)
Gods love for humans was shown by the sending of his Son to grant everyone life
through
an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (4:10)
Christ revealed Gods love for us.
No one has ever seen God. (4:12)
Except the Son. However if the people the elder is addressing keep the command of
love, then God abides in them. They cannot see him but he is there deep in their
souls. The spirit of God prompts them to confess that Jesus is the Son of God. The
elder reiterates the abiding love of God.
God is love. The one who lives in love lives in God and God in him. (4:16)
Because of the love of God, Christians do not fear judgement.
perfect love drives away fear, for fear has to do with punishment. (4:18)
If they have been freed from fear and say they love God but do not show love to
their fellow men then they are false Christians.
How can you love God whom you do not see, if you do not love your brother whom
you see. (4:20) It is a contradiction.
Chapter 5.
Begins with a repetition of belief in Christ and a love of God that makes obeying his
commands an acceptable task.
His commandments are not a burden (5:3)

Belief that Jesus is the son of God grants to Christians victory over the world.
There are three testimonies that witness to Christ. They are.
The spirit, the water and the blood (5:8)
Some commentators read into these testimonies the sacraments of confirmation
baptism and the Eucharist.
The Elder is really using these aspects of Christs life to reinforce against the
dissidents that Jesus is really the son of God. His baptism and crucifixion definitely
demonstrate his humanity. It was John the Baptist and crucifixion definitely
demonstrate his humanity. It was John the Baptist who witnessed the descent of the
Holy Spirit at Christs baptism. St. John , the author of the fourth gospel had been a
disciple of John the Baptist. No doubt he heard of the phenomenon through his
contact with the Baptist.
The dissidents rejected Christ as the anointed one. Those who believe, have no
trouble accepting the testimony of men and have an even greater affirmation of
their faith by accepting the testimony of the Father.
The readers would have been familiar with the references to Testimonies in St.
Johns gospel.
if I bore witness to myself, My testimony would be worthless. But another one is
bearing witness to me and I know his testimony is true when he bears witness to me
. (John 5:31-32)
he who bears witness to me is the Father who sent me. (John 5:37)
I am not alone: the Father who sent me is with me. In your law it is written that the
testimony of two witnesses is valid, so I am bearing witness to myself and the
Father who sent me bears witness to me
(John 8:16-18)
The works performed by Christ bore witness to his sonship. The words he spoke and
the miracles he performed , confirmed that he was truly the Son of God.
All those who believe in Christ could look forward in hope to eternal life but even
here and now they had the life of Christ within them.
The Elder assured his readers that God would hear their prayers.
We are fully confident that whatever we ask, according to his will, he will grant
us. (5:14)
The Elder continues his comment on prayer to include any member in the
community who falls into sin.
Pray for him and God will give life to your brother. (5:16)
But then he mentions a sin that leads to death. We are not clear what sin he is
referring to. It could possibly refer to the Apostasy of the dissidents. For readers in
the 21st Century it brings to mind Mortal Sin. This sin truly leads to a persons
spiritual death. If unrepented , the consequences in the next life are unimaginable.
There is also a sin that leads to death (5:16)
In his final comments the Elder repeats the theme of the letter that Christ is truly
the Son of God.
We are in him who is true, his son Jesus Christ. He is true God and eternal life.
(5:20)
The last line in the letter is quite odd.
Keep yourselves from idols (5:21)
This may be an indirect reference to the dissidents. Whatever is the authors
intention, it is a timely reminder to be faithful to the true God.
The Second Letter of St. John.

The letter is directed to a particular church and its members who are designated as
children. It is an unusual introduction.
I, the Elder , to the chosen Lady and her children. (v.1)
The word chosen indicates election, called by God according to his plan.
The Elder reminds the personified church of the Johannine principle to love one
another. He proceeds to explain how this love is demonstrated.
This is love: to walk according to his commandments. (v.6)
The overriding commandment is love.
Having reminded the community of love, the Elder is extremely severe, towards
the dissidents who have left the group because they refuse to acknowledge that
Christ became man in the flesh.
They are imposters and AntiChrists (v.7)
Not much love shown there!
Perhaps the severity of the castigation highlights how serious is the schism in the
community.
There is no doubt that the crisis to which the elder is responding was a severe one.
The elder argues that the dissidents have violated the fundamental commandment
of the Johannine tradition: love one another. (Reading the New Testament
P.Perkins P.306 St. Pauls)
The Elder calls the community to steadfastness in the faith. These who preach
beyond the teaching of Christ are not to be shown any hospitality.
Do not receive him into your houses or even greet him. (V.10)
Hospitality was part of the Jewish and Gentile cultures.
Hospitality for travelling missionaries was important to the Johnnine fellowship.
(N.J.B.C P.994 Art.38 c)
But anyone who even greeted these teachers of false doctrines about Christ were
labeled as accomplices in these errors. The Elder calls these errors, wicked deeds.
(V.11)
The Elder finishes his letter with the news that he hopes to come and visit the
community. He will cement their faith by oral tradition.
I hope to meet you and speak to you personally that our joy may be full. (V.12)
The Third letter of St. John

This letter is addressed to a person, Gaius. He is a Christian known for his charity
towards travelling missionaries. There is no reference to the problem addressed in
the first and second letters, namely the dissidents holding to a false teaching about
Christ.
The Elder wishes Gaius
health of Soul and body (V.2) and praises him for walking in the truth. Gaius is
noted for his hospitality. Visiting missionaries arriving at the community of the Elder
spoke of your charity before the assembled church. (V.6)
However, there is a leader, Diotrephes, who anxious to preside over it (the church)
does not acknowledge our authority. (v.9)
This is the reason for the letter. The Elder wishes to visit the community of Gaius in
order to confront Diotrephes, who discredited us with words of evil intent. (v.10)
Some exegetes presume that Diotrephes is a local bishop who has refused to have
anything to do with outside authority such as the Johannine school represented by
the elder. (N.J.B.C P.995 Art 42 B)
He is using the same tactics against visiting missionaries that the Elder employs
against dissidents in the Elders own community.
he does not receive the friends and even restrains those who want to receive them
and expels them from the church. (v.10)
This appears to be an early form of clericalism in which a prelate will brook no
interference from outsiders. A sort of defend ones turf at all costs.
This is not the Johannine way. The Elder stated early in his letter with regard to
visiting missionaries, that we should receive such persons, making ourselves their
co operators in the work of the truth. (v.6)
In his closing remarks the Elder refers to a man of high repute, Demetrius. No
details are given. Why he is mentioned we dont know. It is possible that he is the
bearer of the third letter.
The Elder confirms his desire to visit the recipients of the letter and meet people in
person because,
I have many things to tell you, but I do not want to do it in writing. (v.13)
It is comments like the one above that give evidence in the early church to oral
tradition.
The Apocalypse (Revelation)
Traditionally, the Author has believed to have been John the Apostle, beloved of
Christ and brother of James the Great.
The earliest Christian writer to comment on the authorship of Revelation is Justin
Martyr in Dial. Tryph. Written about 160 A.D he identifies the Author of Rev. as
John, one of the apostles of Christ. Irenaeus is the earliest known writer to say
that both Revelation and the fourth Gospel were written by John the disciple of the
Lord. (N.J.B.C P.997 Art.7)
Irenaeus of Lyons lived about 125 -202 A.D and was an important figure in the early
history of the church.
As to the date of its composition, most commentators believed it was written
between 81-96 AD. on the Island of Patmos 60 kms west of Ephesus off the coast of
modern day Turkey and in the Agean Sea. It was a custom for the Roman Authorities
to banish to Patmos those people from the province of Asia Minor considered to be
subversive.
There is a tradition that John was arrested and thrown into a vat of boiling oil from
which he emerged unscathed. Bewildered Roman soldiers, being supenstitious, were
shocked and unwilling to kill John so instead they exiled him to Patmos. It is difficult
to confirm this legend.
Nevertheless, John was forced to transmit his message in written form because of
his banishment.
Chapter 1.
He says.
I, John, your brother, who shares with you, in Jesus, the sufferings, the kingdom
and the patient endurance, was on the island of Patmos, because of the Word of
God and witnessing to Jesus. (1:9)
In the New Testament, the Apocalypse is unique in its style and content. It is an
example of early Christian prophecy. Some writers claim it was addressed to
Christians undergoing persecution for their faith. However in the time scale given
for its composition, (81-96 AD) persecutions were basically local matters. Those
mentioned in the Apocalypse are Johns banishment (1:9), the martyrdom of Antipas
in Pergamum (2:13) and the anticipated arrest of some Christians in Smyrna (2:10)
which in fact occurred early in the 2nd Century with the arrest and execution of such
people as of Polycarp the Saintly bishop of that place.
Most of the book points very much towards the future.
Some writers have suggested that the Apocalypse is a composite book made up of
several letters. However the majority of scholars consider that there is an overall
unity to the work such that it.
owes its present form to one author, but it does not exclude the possibility that the
author used oral or even written sources or that the work was edited by the author
once or more times.
(N.J.B.C P.999 Art.14)
These observations are based on two prominent principles in the book.
1. Recapitulation.
2. The Organizing key of the symbolic number seven.
There are seven spirits before the throne of God (1:4)

Seven stars in the right hand of the one like the Son of Man. (1:16)
These stars represent seven churches. (1:20) as do the seven lampstands.
(1:12)
Seven Beatitudes beginning with. (1:3)
The scroll with seven seals. (5:1)
Seven torches burning before the throne (4:5)
The lamb with seven horns and seven eyes (5:6)
The seven Trumpets. (8:6)
The beast with seven heads (13:1)
Seven bowls of Gods wrath (15:7)
The number seven is a perfect number and represents fullness.

This last book in the Bible is the
Revelation of Jesus Christ (1:1)
Given to St. John by an angel. Jesus Christ then is both the author and subject of this
revelation.
John is ordered to write to seven churches in Asia Minor. The message is from Christ
who says
I am the Alpha and the Omega, - he who is ,who was and who is to come: the
Master of the Universe (1:8)
Alpha and Omega the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet indicate that God
is the first and last of everything, As well we are told it is also from the Seven
Spirits of God which are before his throne. (1:4)
It is clear that these spirits are of high rank but they should not be equated with
Christ. Why is John writing to these specific churches, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum,
Thyatira, Sadis, Philadelphia and Laodicea?
1. Probably he was familiar with those churches and had some authority over
them.
2. The cities in which these churches were located were easily linked to the main
city of the region i.e. Ephesus. The number seven must have been selected because
of its symbolism of perfection and hence we may say that writing to the seven
churches symbolically means writing to all the churches of the world.
(Apocalypse, S. Kizhakkeyil, P.86 St.Pauls)
It is significant that Colossae is not mentioned. Perhaps the earthquake reported in
61/62 AD. so devastated the city that it never recovered. It was situated in the
Lycus Valley not farm from Laodicea. It had been the site of a vibrant Christian
community in the time of St. Paul.
When John turned to see who was speaking, in the vision he beheld
seven golden lampstands and in the midst of these I saw someone like the son of
man, dressed in a long robe tied with a golden girdle. (1:12-13)
He continues his astonishing description.
His head and hair are white as wool or as snow and his eyes are like flames of fire.
His feet are like burnished bronze when it has been refined in a furnace. His voice is
like the roaring of the waves.
I saw seven stars in his right hand and a sharp double edged sword coming out of
his mouth; his face shone like the sun in all its brilliance. (1:14-16)
Such a description defies the imagination.
The depiction of the heavenly being like a Son of man, 1:13 reminds us of the
prophet Daniels use of the same term in approx. 165 BC. Christ used this term
frequently in the Synoptic gospels to confirm his humanity.
The Seven golden lampstands, (1:12) are the seven churches (1:20) that the
heavenly being is standing in the midst of.
The following are the symbols used to describe the one like the son of man.
Description
The Long robe
The golden cord.
Symbolizes
Priesthood (Ex.28:4,29:5)
Royalty (1Mac. 10:89)
White hair
eternity (Dan 7:9)
Like snow
holiness (Isa. 1:18)
The burning eyes
divine knowledge.
The feet of bronze
permanence (Dan 2:31-45)
Voice like the roaring of the waves

(invokes fear)
Power to command
The Seven stars
Symbols of the angels

Protectors of the churches.
The sharp double edged Sword
The word of God.
His face shining like the sun
Divinity (MK.9:2-8)
(Adapted from Kizhakkeyil ibid. P.92-93)

John, in awe of what he is seeing, falls at the feet of the heavenly being, the risen
Christ in all his power
and glory.
Chapter 2
This chapter begins the messages to the seven churches. The messages are
addressed to the angels who
are patrons and protectors of the individual churches.
In the same manner that each human being is assigned such a guide and protector,
important entities,
nations and churches have assigned to them a proctector angel. This is not a far
fetched theory,
let us give you a spiritual example.
St. Faustina mentions in her diary that on the occasion of her transfer from a
convent in Vilnius to a convent in warsaw,
I saw an angel standing on every church we passed, but surrounded by a light that
was paler than that of the spirit who was accompanying me on the journey, and
each of these spirits who were guarding the churches bowed his head to the spirit
who was near me.
( Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul St. M.F. Kowalska P.244 St. Pauls 4 th Print 2005)
The Seven messages begin with the words I know, indicating that nothing is
hidden from his omnipotent gaze. Christ first praises the angel of each church then
proceeds to reprimand most of them. This is odd. Angels willingly obey the
Godhead. Attributing blame to them does not seem appropriate.
For this reason, scholars believe that the letters are really addressed to Church
leaders. We will consider the angels as such. Speaking to the leader of the Church in
Ephesus, Christ praises him for uncovering the deception of intinerant preachers,
but chides him because the community has
lost your first love (2:4)
If the community does not return to its former exemplary way of life, then Christ will
remove your lampstand from its place (2:5)
This is a serious threat. Ephesus was the Mother church of Asia Minor.
Those who prevail in combatling evil, such as that posed by the Nicolaitans, will be
rewarded with the fruit of the tree of life which is in Gods paradise (2:7)
Speaking to the leader of the church in Symrna Christ says,
I know your trials and your poverty : you are rich indeed. (2:9)
The Christians at Symrna appear to be immigrants from Galilee or Judea, forced to
flee from the Romans in the war that devastated Jerusalem. (66-70 AD) Christ
considers them rich in their steadfast faith. He does not reprimand them. They are
persecuted by the Jews living there. By referring to the Jews as the Synagogue of
Satan (2:9) he illustrates the evident hostility between the two groups, the
Christians and the Jews.
He warns the Christians of Symrna that there will be
Ten days of trials including imprisonment.
Those who remain faithful, even to the point of dying for their faith, will receive the
crown of Life. (2:10) and will have nothing to fear from the second death (2:11)
The second death is death of the soul or spirit, death of the resurrected person or
eternal punishment. (N.J.B.C. P.1002 Art 23)
When speaking to the Leader of the church in Pergamum, John is to tell him that
Christ is aware of paganism in the city, perhaps in the form of a temple to one of
the Greek Gods Satans throne (2:13) One Christian called Antipas had already
been arrested, most probably by the Romans, tried and executed. On what charges
we are not told, but probably because of his Christian faith because Christ calls him
My Faithful Witness. (2:13)
Despite the heroic witness of Anipas, some Christians have fallen prey to eating
food sacrificed to idols and committing adultery as in the time of Balak the son of
King Zippor of the Moabites, (Num 22:4)
From the Old Testament we know that the Israelite men,
began to enjoy themselves with the Moabite women - - - the people ate and bowed
down before their Gods (Num 25:1-2)
Some have also followed the teachings of the Nicolaitans.
We know little about this group. However there is this footnote that sheds some
light on the matter.
In Greek the word means one who destroys the people eating meat offered to
idols: prostitution (idolatry!) (Apocalypse S. Kishakkeyil P.204 Footnote 22
explained)
When Christ says
to the victor I will give the hidden Manna (2:17)
He is saying.
The hidden manna too is my word - - It is hidden because it is said in the depths of
the hearts of those worthy to taste it. - - - Therefore I give manna to those who
overcome the lower part with all its tendencies to lack of faith, to the senses, to
narrow minded and selfish cares. I give the manna of my Word that fills your spirit
with sweetness and light. As revealed to Maria Valtorta an Italian mystic.
(The End Times M.Valtorta P.38 Trans. P.T.Y Atworth, Centro Editoriale. Valtoriano
1985)
To the victor. Christ will also give
a white stone with a new name written on it which no one knows except the one
who receives it. (2:17)
Some translations call it a white pebble.
in the pebble, a Truth is revealed which is withheld from the unworthy. It is the
Truth which opens the doors of eternal Life for you, which gives you the keys to it
and puts you on the Way to reach the gate of my heavenly city. (M.Valtorta, ibid.
P.38)
This truth is Christ. By following him through the end time trials, the victor will
become a pillar in the heavenly City.
Now Christ commands John to write to the leader of the church in Thyatira. I know
your works: your love, faith, service, patient endurance and your later works,
greater than the first. (2:19)
However, Christ repirmands the leader of the church at Thyatira for harbouring in
the community a female prophet who has deceived many into practicing idolatry in
the same way that Jezebel the wife of King Ahab. (2Kings 9:22) persuaded the
people of Israel (The Northern Kingdom) to follow the God Baal.
She teaches them prostitution and the eating of food sacrified to idols. (2:20)
This impious womans children are the followers of the Nicolaitan sect. She has
reportedly taught them Secrets.
They may have taught magical formulas and practices which could control evil
spirits.
(N.J.B.C P.1003 Art 25)
Hence the very strong call by Christ for those members of the Thyatira seduced by
this prophetess, to repent or suffer the consequences.
I will give each of you what your conduct deserves (2:23)
To those who have resisted the teachings of the prophetess, Christ promises a share
in his power over nations that will shatter them like earthen pots. (2:27) It is not
clear what nations are being referred to and why they should be dealth with so
harshly.
Morover, Christ promises those who are victorious, the Morning Star. (2:28) This is
one of the brightest stars in the firmament. It is a share in Christs glory, a promise
given in the book of Daniel to those who have endured faithfully to the end by
acquiring the knowledge necessary to follow Christ and to have led others to Justice.
(Dan 12:3)
Chapter 3
To the leader of the church in Sardis, Christ has little to compliment the church
community for.
you think you live but you are dead (3:1)
He adds,
I have found your works to be imperfect in the sight of my God. (3:1) He calls
them to repentance warning the community that if it does not, he will come
suddenly upon the community in Judgement, like a thief in the night (3:3)
A stern warning indeed. However, to those few members of the church in Sardis who
have remained faithful to the gospel, he promises two things.
Firstly, they will be dressed in white garments symbolizing their glorified bodies at
the resurrection and secondly their names will remain listed in the book of Life,
symbol of those worthy to enter the New Jerusalem.
To the leader of the church in Philadelphia, Christ has only words of praise. He has
found the church members to have endured persecution from the Jews with great
patience.
As they have been refused entry to the local synagogue he will open to them access
to God that they cannot be deprived of.
He holds the key of David mentioned in Isa 22:22.
If he opens nobody shuts and if he shuts, nobody opens (3:7)
Christ is the only mediator between man and God.
Some of the Jews of the Synagogue of Satan who have opposed the Christians of
Philadelphia.
I will make them fall at your feet and recognize that I have loved you. (3:9)
The Congregation is promised public Vindication over their opponents in the
future.
(N.J.B.C P.1003 Art 27)
Christ promises the members of the community that he will keep them safe in the
hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world, to test the people of the earth.
(3:10)
This is a clear reference to the End times. Those who survive the calamities that
prepare the world for the second coming will dwell with God in the New Jerusalem.
They will be given a place of prominence and identified forever as belonging to God
in a special way.
I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God. (3:12)
To the leader of the church in Laodicea Christ speaks words of condemnation, for
this communitys luke warmness.
Apparently the Christians in Laodicea were wealthy and of relatively high social
standing in the city. Having a secure social and economic position they became
complacent. (N.J.B.C P.1003 Art 28)
Laodicea had hot and cold thermal waters. It was also in that city that eye wash
famous for improving eyesight was made. (Christian Community Bible,
Commentary P.1889)
The Lukewarmness of the community has serious repercussions.
You are lukewarm neither hot or cold so I will spit you out of my mouth. (3:16)
Unlike the people of Smyrna who were poor but rich in Christ, the people of
Laodicea were rich but wretched and to be pitied, poor blind and naked. (3:17)
Quite a contrast.
Christ calls upon them to bear witness to the Christian faith despite harassment. If
they heed his call, then Christ will enter and eat with them. A meal is a sign of
hospitality and a sharing among friends. Not only that, but their recompense will be
the honour of equality with Christ.
I will let the victor sit with me on my throne. (3:21)
In the age to come, following the resurrection, Christians will share with Christ His
rule over the new creation, sharing the power mentioned concerning the victors of
Thyatira. (2:26-27)
Chapter 4
Immediately after the messages to the seven churches are recorded Christ calls
John to heaven and John experiences the first of many visions. He writes that he
was seized by the spirit. (4:2)
Transported to heaven, his first vision is that of God enthroned, surrounded by
heavenly beings and a
rainbow resembling an emerald. (4:2) This is a confusing description. Rainbows
consist of many colours apart from the green associated with an emerald.
Undoubtedly its significance lies in its brilliance. As it surrounds the throne of the
deity it connotes the awesome glory of God.
In a circle around the throne are twenty four thrones and seated on these are
twenty four elders, dressed in white clothes with golden crowns on their heads.
(4:4)
No one has been able to adequately explain who the twenty four elders are.
Thay they are elders indicates positions of authority. Their white dresses indicate
dignity and victory; their golden crowns signify kingship and sovereignty; their
thrones formed in a circle shows that they share in Gods judgement and rule.
Among those worthy of such eminence one would hope to see the twelve apostles.
However any attempt to identy the full twenty four elders would be pure
speculation. It seems that John himself, who should rightly be there, was not familiar
with them.
Seven flaming torches burn before the throne; these are the seven spirits of God.
(4:5)
These are angels of high rank. Their proximity to the throne of God indicates a duty
of great importance to God. They are first mentioned in the introduction to the book
of Apocalypse (1:4) could they be the Archangels? At least one author considers
them to be a manifestation not of the angelic spirits but the Holy Spirit himself.
in front of the throne there is something like a sea of glass, like crystal (4:6
N.S.R.V)
In the New Jerusalem there is no sea. (21:1) The sea of glass indicates a
transparent structure like a platform before the throne of God. Crystal is a highly
prized glass. Whatever the structure is, it is a thing of beauty.
Then in the description of Gods throne there is the amazing vision of the four living
creatures.
The first living creature is like a lion, the second like a bull, the third has the face of
a man and the fourth looks like a flying eagle. (4:7)
Each of these creatures has six wings full of eyes and the creatures perpetually sing
Gods praises.
Some of the details are drawn from or have a similarity to the vision of the four
living reatures depicted in Ezekiel chapter one. However Ezekiels description is
even more mind boggling than Johns. Any attempt to portray them in art is fraught
with great difficulty and ultimately failure.
Having said that, Christians through the ages have associated the four living
creatures with the four evangelists. Matthew is represented by the man; mark by
the Lion, Luke by the bull; and John by the eagle.
Each of the living creatures represents qualities that are admirable. Man is the
pinnacle of intelligence amongst earthly creation; The Lion is known for its
fierceness and hunting prowess; the bull for its strength and the eagle for its sight,
ability to soar to great heights and its dominance over all other avian forms.
The six wings of each living creature portray beings capable of swift movement and
the multiplicity of eyes indicate the fullness of discernment knowledge and
alertness.
The song of the four living creatures is an Hosanna reminiscent of Christs entry
into Jerusalem. It gives glory to God who is eternal.
Who was, and is and is to come. (4:8)
It alludes also to the song found in Isaiah,
Holy holy holy is Yahweh Sabaoth (Isa 6:3)

This heavenly liturgy is augmented by the praise given by the twenty four elders
who fall down before the throne of God, divest themselves of their crowns and
honour God as creator with the words,
Our Lord and God, worthy are you to receive glory honour and power! For you have
created all things; by your will they came to be and were made. (4:11)
Chapter 5
Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne had a scroll
written on both sides sealed with seven seals (5:1)
This scroll is a book of the End Times. Its contents record a series of catastrophic
events that have already begun to affect mankind in the twentieth century.
In the past, important documents between kings, nobles and even merchants were
closed with wax and the owners seal pressed into the warm wax.
In Rome people used to write their wills and get them sealed by seven people. All
these seven people had to open the will in order to execute that will. (S.Kizhakkeyil
op.cit. P.108)
In centuries past, documents and letters were written on one side only and sealed
to keep the contents secret.
Nobody has come up with an adequate explanation for this important scroll to be
written inside and out.
One thing that is clear is that the opening of the seals will cause the events to
occur. These events areimmanent.
There was a serious problem.
No one in heaven or on the earth or in the netherworld was found able to open the
book and read it. (5:3)
The author of the vision in fact weeps because of the apparent predicament. This is
odd behavior for the visionary but he understands that there is no one capable of
executing the plans of God written in the scroll.
All is not lost.
One of the Elders comes to John in his distress and consoles him.
Do not weep. Look the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the shoot of David has conquered;
he will open the book of seven seals (5:5)
Only Christ is worthy to open the seals of the scroll.

John saw
A lamb standing , although it had been slain. I saw him with seven horns and seven
eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out to all the earth. (5:6)
The lamb bears the wounds of his passion but has triumphed and therefore stands
erect. Its seven horns stand for the fullness of messianic power and authority and
the seven eyes symbolize the fullness of knowledge (cf Zech. 4:10) S. Kizhakkeyil,
ibid. P 109.
The seven spirits of God are closely connected to Christ. How these spirits
operate on humanity, as they Are sent out to all the earth is unclear. We can only
judge that they are complete and are beneficial. They are a manifestation of the
power of Christ.
The Lamb takes the scroll from the right hand of God the Father as he is executor of
the Fathers will for the world. All authority resides in him.
The living creatures and the twenty four elders bow down before Christ. The elders
hold in their hands cups full of incense. Incense is a sign of divine priesthood.
Burning incense honours the God head.
Let my prayer rise to you like incense, as I lift up my hands as in an evening
sacrifice. (Ps.141:2)
Incense was used extensively in the Temple in Jerusalem.
In this case, the incense offered to the diety
are the prayers of the holy ones. (5:8)
At the same time, the elders and the Living creatures sing a new hymn to the Lamb.
(verses 9 and 10)
They are accompanied by a multitude of angels numbering millions and millions
(5:11) who raise their own hymn of praise to Christ.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and
strength, honour, glory and praise. (5:12)
Then all of creation joins in,
to him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb
Be praise, honour, glory and power for ever and ever. (5:13)
This heavenly liturgy is awesome. It gives us an inkling of what awaits us in eternity.

The honour it pays to the Trinity is profound.
The event concludes with the Amen, a Jewish custom of affirmation. So be it.
Chapter 6
Christ opens the first seal.
A white horse appeared and its rider had a bow. (6:2)
The rider was crowned. Traditionally the white horse was that of a military general
celebrating a triumph. The fact that he carried a bow indicated that he was a
Parthian. This was the Parthian weapon of choice. The Parthians were the enemies
of Rome. They controlled the vast territories on Romes Eastern borders. It was
because of this threat from the East, not only from the Parthians but also the
Persians that the Emperor of Rome transferred the capital of his empire to
Nicodemia. A few years later in 326 A.D. Constantine the Great moved the empires
capital to Constantinople.
When the Apocalypse was written, Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Romans.
There was the hope amongst the Jews, now dispersed, that an army from the East
would overrun the Roman Empire.
The positive tone of this vision expresses joy at such a prospect. (N.J.B.C. P.1005
Art 32)
When the second seal was opened,
another horse the colour of fire came out. Its rider was ordered to take peace away
from the earth, that people might kill one another; so he was given a great sword.
(6:4)
The rider in this case was an agent of war. The history of the world has been written
in blood. Things will not get better in the future. In the End Times we are
witnessing endless regional wars and civil violence especially in the middle East.
At the opening of the third seal there appeared,
a black horse and its rider held a balance in his hand. (6:5)
The third horseman of the Apocalypse represents famine. Food will be rationed and
sold at an exorbitant price. Grain in particular will be in short supply. Wheat and
barley were staple foods of the Roman empire.
A voice from the midst of the four living creatures cried out,
A measure of wheat for a piece of silver (6:6)
This was a days wages for a labourer. It could

purchase eight to sixteen times more grain than the amounts mentioned here.
(N.J.B.C P.1005 Art32)
Do not spoil the oil or the wine. (6:6)
In drought crops will perish easily whereas the wine and olive with deeper roots will
survive longer.
(S. Kizhakkeyil, opcit. P.113)
Luxury items then, like wine and oil would still be available.
At the opening of the fourth seal,
A greenish horse appeared, its rider was called death and the netherworld rode
behind him. He was allowed to utterly destroy by sword, famine, pestilence and wild
beasts a fourth of the inhabitants of the earth. (6:8)
The pale green horse signifies decomposition. The fourth horseman of the
Apocalypse has at his disposal all the agents of death. He has Gods permission to
claim a vast number of the earths inhabitants.
One would hope that the scourge of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse would
be enough to bring men to their knees, but these avengers of Gods wrath are
merely the beginning of Gods punishment on humanity.
When the fifth seal was opened
I saw under the altar the spirits of those who proclaimed the word of God and were
slain for its sake. (6:9)
This is the first mention of an altar in the heavenly sanctuary. An altar is a place of
sacrifice. It is a consecrated table made holy by the presence of the relics of saints
and martyrs embedded in the surface of the altar in Catholic churches. Here in
chapter 6 we learn of the spirits of martyrs being confined under the altar. They are
clothed in white garments indicating their glory for having shed their blood for the
faith.
Were they the early Martyrs of the church? Were they Maryrs throughout the ages?
No details are given.
Why are they not free after their sacrifice? They are keen to be released but are told
to be patient until their numbers are complete. There are more people to be
martyred in the future.
The twentieth century was an age of Martyrs. In fact, the martyrs in that century
outnumbered all the martyrs of the previous nineteen centuries put together. A
major factor in this was the rise and spread of communism.
However the martyrs who will make up the number of spirits resting under the holy
altar are more likely to include those martyred for the faith during the three and a
half years of persecution carried out by the Anti Christ. Such a persecution will be
of enormous proportions. This is prophesized to occur before the return of Christ.
Oh! My end time Saints! If the living of the earliest saints amidst paganisms
persecution was heroic, the living of my last saints will be three times, seven times,
seven times, seven times heroic.
( The End Times as
Revealed to Maria Valtorta M. Valtorta P.118 Trans. P. Atworth)
These were the words of Jesus to the Italian Mystic Maria Valtorta in the 1940s
The Blessed Mother also reminds priests
Many will have to give their lives and shed their blood.
(To the Priests Our Ladys Beloved Sons
The Marian Movement of Priests, P.101. Nov.25, 1975 Sect.h)
Then Christ opens the sixth seal.
There was a violent earthquake. The sun became black as a mourning dress, and
the whole moon became blood red; and the stars in the sky fell to the earth like dry
figs falling from a fig tree shaken by a hurricane. The sky was folded up like rolled
parchment; there was no mountain or continent that was not removed from its
place. (6:12-14)
Such tremendous events were also foretold by Saint Matthew.
The sun will grow dark, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the
skies and the whole universe will be shaken. (Matt.24:29)
This will be the response of God for the Martyrs who have cried out for their blood to
be avenged. (6:10)
Speaking to Vassula Ryden an Orthodox believer, Christ said,
The sixth seal is about to be broken and you will be plunged into darkness --- the
earth will shake and like a shooting star will reel from its place, extirpating
mountains and islands out of their places, entire nations will be annihilated, the sky
whill disappear like a scroll rolling up.
(True Life in God Vol 11. V. Ryden P.86 Feb.18,1993 National Book Store)
Later in the same year Christ reiterated this prophesy.
The sky will roll like a scroll and immediately will dissolve in flames and all the
elements will melt in the heat. - - - when that day comes, good and bad will perish
alike; the bad for having displayed only wickedness and the good for not heeding
my warnings.
op.cit. Vol II P.138 Dec. 22, 1993)
(V. Ryden
The prophet Zechariah foretold this terrible chastisement.

- And in all the land, two thirds will be destroyed and one third left. This third shall
be cleansed by fire; I shall refine them as silver is refined. (Zech. 13:8-9)
Such a calamity is echoed in the words of Our Blessed Mother to Sr. Agnes
Sasagawa on Oct 13, 1973 at Akita Japan when she said,
Fire will fall from the sky and wipe our a great part of humanity - - the good as well
as the bad, sparing neither priest nor faithful.
(The Meaning of Akita J. Haffert Pamphlett P.10)
Is it any wonder then that
The kings of the earth and their ministers, the generals, the rich and powerful and
all the people slaves as well as free persons hid in caves or among rocks on the
mountains. (6:15)
In order to escape Gods wrath.
Chapter 7
There were four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the
four winds to prevent their blowing against the earth, the sea and the trees. (7:1)
These angelic beings were to hold fast until Gods faithful followers were marked
with a seal upon their foreheads.
The four angels are agents of divine punishment. In Jewish thought it was believed
that God regulates the natural world by means of angelic beings.
The sealing of the faithful is a parallel of the Vision of a similar event recorded in
Ezekial chapter 9.
Pass through the center of the city, through Jerusalem, and trace a cross on the
forehead of the men who sigh and groan because of all the abominations committed
in it. (Ezek. 9:4)
Then I heard the number of those marked with the seal: a hundred and forty-four
thousand from all the tribes of Israel. (7:4)
In the listing of the tribes of Israel that follows (7:5-8) the tribe of the Dan is not
listed.
The Old Testament apparently describes the tribe of Dan as idolatrous. (Judges 18,
1Kgs 12:28-30) - - - A prophecy of judgement is linked to Dan in Jer 8:16-17. These
traditions may have been the basis for the development of the Christian tradition
that the antichrist would come from this tribe.
(N.J.B.C
P.1005 Art 34)
The number 144,000 stands for a perfect figure and does not limit salvation just to
this number of people.
On May 5, 1992 Christ had this to say to Vassula Ryden,
I am your King, and I am here to mark a cross on the foreheads of all those who are
sincere and who truly love Me. (True Life in God V.Ryden Vol II P. 31)
Previously he had told Vassula Ryden on Jan 24, 1991,
Since I knew that men have an infinite capacity for sinning and that the Enemy
would be enthroned, in the end of times, into My Sanctuary, I have for this reason,
kept for myself a remnant to be builders of My New Sanctuary, the first fruits of my
spirit; as I had once kept for myself seven thousand men who had not bent the knee
to Baal in those days of Elijah. Today too, I have by my grace kept for Myself this
remnant, a hundred and forty-four thousand people, all with my Name and my
Fathers name written on their foreheads. These are the ones who never allow a lie
to pass their lips.
(V.Ryden op.cit. Vol I.
P.489)
It is not clear if the 144,000 mentioned in 7:4 is the same 144,000 mentioned in
14:1.
The first group (7:4) is drawn from the tribes of Israel. The number is symbolic and
represents a large number of people. Are they Jews only? Are they representative of
all peoples?
There is no doubt that they are special.
The seal they receive identifies them as faithful followers of Christ. The seal
mentioned in Ezekial 9:4 is a Tau shaped Cross. The cross Is a sacred symbol for
Christians. In 7:4 we are not told the composition of the seal. In 14:1 it is very clear.
his (Christs) name and his Fathers name written on their foreheads (14:1)
The fact that the group in 7:4 are mentioned in the visions of Vassula Ryden as
the ones who never allow a lie to pass their lips (T.L.I.G Jan 24,1991) makes sense
if one considers Christ as the Truth. (Jn 14:6) Then his followers are those who
seek the truth in all matters.
After this , I saw a great crowd, impossible to count, from every nation, race people
and tongue, standing before the Lamb, clothed in white, with palm branches in their
hands (7:9)
As John stood there is awe of this vast multitude representing all mankind, an Elder
told him,
They are those who have come out of the great persecution; they have washed
and made their clothes white in the blood of the Lamb. (7:14)
We are not told which persecution is referred to as the Great Persecution. As the
book prophesizes the future we can surmise that these are the Martyrs of the End
Times, belonging as they do to the inhabitants of every country persecuted by
Satan and the Anti-Christ.
The white clothes and the palm branches in their hands signify their victory. They
have persevered to the end. Their reward is to stand in the presence of God forever
enjoying his protection and the cessation of all their earthly trials. This great
multitude sings a victory song to the one enthroned and to the Lamb. Their joy is
complete.
Chapter 8
When the Lamb opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half
an hour. (8:1)
This is an extraordinary event. The complete cessation of the heavenly liturgy.
Nothing visible or horrible takes place at the opening of the last seal.
It is the lull before the storm.
God withdraws into the height of his heavens because man rejects his love and
lives for and in the flesh. These are the causes of your ruin and of our silence. - - On high heaven closes. And this is indeed mercy, for in closing it holds back the
thunderbolts you deserve.
(The Notebooks 1943 M. Valtorta, June 7, 1943)
To Vassula Ryden Christ says,
I will break the seventh seal and upon this there will be an awed silence. - - - in this
silence the people of the world would think they have triumphed over our Two
hearts, and they wil rejoice. (Apoc.11:10) and celebrate the event, because they got
rid of our Two Hearts witnessing through Our mouthpieces,
(True Life in
God Vol II P.113 V. Ryden June 3,1993)
The Two Hearts are the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The two mouthpieces are Vassula Ryden and Fr.Stefano Gobbi. Christ granted many
visions to Vassula and dictated to her the
New Hymn of Love which He
named The True Life in God prophesies. The Blessed Mother speaking through
locutions to Fr. Gobbi since 1972 has dictated to him all the words contained in the
book to the Priests Our Ladys Beloved Sons.
This book is the basis of the Marian Movement of priests.
Both Vassula and Fr Gobbi have been commissioned to take the prophesies they
have been granted to the entire world. Many people have accepted these writings
and changed their lives. Others have treated them with disdain. We neglect these
words of Christ and his Blessed Mother at our own peril. In some cases there has
been many obstacles in the printing and publishing of both books. The Vatican for
several years prevented the dissemination of the True Life in God dictations. That
notification has been lifted. While Christ continues to dictate to Vassula Ryden, the
Blessed Mother ceased her revelations to Fr. Gobbi in December of 1997 saying that
all the world needs to know has now been revealed.
Another angel came and stood before the altar of incense with a golden censor. He
was given much incense to be offered with the prayers of the Holy Ones on the
golden altar before the throne. (8:3)
We are not told who these Holy Ones are. We are left to speculate that they may
include the prayers of the Communion of Saints. They could also include the cry of
vengeance for the spirits confined under the altar in 6:10. It is comforting to know
that our prayers are not lost but rise as incense to God.
Then the angel took the censor and filled it with burning coals from the altar and
threw them on the earth and there came thunder, lightning and earthquakes. (8:5)
As if in response to the prayers of the Holy Ones, punishments begin immediately.
While everybody will be watching, a violent earthquake will come and the elements
of the earth will catch fire and fall apart. Many will take to the mountains to hide in
caves, and among the rocks, they would call out to me but I will not listen.
(V.Ryden ibid. June 3, 1993 P.113 Vol II)
The hiding in caves and among rocks was already mentioned in (Apoc. 6:15)
Such terrors falling upon the earth must be entirely warranted. The angels and
Saints in heaven must have been completely dismayed at the wickeness of
humanity in forsaking God. The Saints themselves would beseech God to destroy
the earth in much the same way that the Sons of Zebedee beseeched Christ to rain
down fire from heaven and destroy the Samaritan Village that had rejected Christ.
(Luke 9:54)
The calamities brought on by the burning coals pres hadow the calamities that will
fall on the earth with the first four trumpets. This group of trumpets announces
calamities affecting the cosmos and are analogous to some of the plagues of Egypt.
Although stated in the past they repsent the future.
1st Trumpet: - hail and fire mixed with blood. These destroyed a third of the trees
and a third of the earth as well as a third of the grass.
2nd Trumpet: - Something like a great mountain was hurled into the sea. A third of
the sea turned to blood. A third of the living creatures in the sea died and a third of
the ships were destroyed.
3rd Trumpet: - A great star called wormwood fell like a ball of fire on a third of the
rivers and springs. Many people died because the water had turned bitter.
4th Trumpet: - A third of the sun, the moon and the stars were affected. Daylight
decreased one third and the light at night as well.
The measure One third is symbolic. It really means a large part of . While one
can concede that God has the knowledge to measure meticulously one third of the
trees, grass, sea, living creatures in the sea ships rivers, springs, daylight and night
light. It seems unlikely that the arbitrary figure of 33 1/3 percent of all things
destroyed is defined in such detail.
Do these calamities occur all at once or are they sequenced over time? We are not
aware of such a collection of disasters occurring in our own time all at once.
But there is more to come.
An eagle flies through the highest heaven crying,
Woe Woe Woe to the inhabitants of the land. When the last three angels sound
their trumpets. (8:13)
Chapter 9
The fifth trumpet unleashes a demonic plague which is directed against the enemies
of God. --- Since the angel is given the key to the abyss, the opening of the abyss
(the underworld) is not a rebellion but part of Gods plan. - - the prophet Joel
interpreted the natural catastrophe of a swarm of locusts as Gods punishment on
the Lords own people. (Joel 2:4-9) (N.J.B.C. P.1006 Art .40)
Then I saw a star fall from ehaven to the earth. The star was given the key to the
depths of the abyss. (9:1)
Christ told Maria Valtorta that the angel with the key will be the Anti Christ.
He will be someone very high up, high up likea a heavenly body: Not a human star
that shines in a human sky, but a heavenly body from a supernatural sphere. Giving
in to the Enemys enticement, he will experience pride after humility, atheism after
faith, lust after chastity, the craving for gold after evangelical poverty, the thirst for
honours after concealment. (M.Valtorta op.cit. P.41 Aug.20,1943)
When the abyss will be opened, smoke will rise up and from the smoke will issue
strangely clad locusts with the power to harm.
They were told not to harm the meadows, the green grass or the trees, but only
the people who do not bear the seal of God upon their foreheads. They were not to
kill them but only torture them for five months (9:4-5)
The meadows, green grass and trees are the natural food of locusts.These locusts
are demonic not only in their appearance but in their desire to inflict pain onto those
they can entice into a state of despair. Their aim is not to cause death but
prolonged torture.
The people stung by the locusts
will look for death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude
them. (9:6)
The name of the leader of the demonic forces is Abaddon in Hebrew or Appollyon
in Greek. His powers are limited but he will cause the destruction and fall of many.
He is not satan, but who is he?
That the sting lasts for five months may be indicative of the life cycle of locusts.
From egg to nymph to adult takes about two months. Then the adult can live
between three to five months. In the case of the plague that follows the blowing of
the fifth trumpet the locusts are in the adult stage and apart from their strange
appearance have a sting in their tail like that of a scorpion. Weird indeed.
Then a voice called to the angel with the sixth trumpet,
Release the four angels chained at the banks of the great river Euphrates. (9:14)
These angels had been waiting for the command to utterly destroy a third of
humankind. They were the leaders of an army of two hundred million mounted
warriors. Out of the mouths of their horses came fire smoke and sulphur.
The Euphrates was the eastern border of the Roman Empire, beyond which was the
land of the Parthians, the dreaded enemy of Rome. - - - Even in the face of terrible
punishments given to one third of humanity the remaining human beings are
stubborn, refusing to abandon their wicked ways of idolatry. (S. Kizhakkeyil, op.cit.
P.126)
They went on worshipping the demons. Keeping their idols of gold, silver, bronze,
stone and wood that cannot see, hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their crimes or
their sorcery, or their sexual immorality or their theft. (9:20-21)
Chapter 10
John seems now to be on earth. The heavenly being whom he sees is impressive.
A rainbow was around his head, his face was like the sun and his legs like pillars of
fire. (10:1)
The angel calls in a loud voice and
Then the seven thunders sounded their own message. (10:4)
John was about to write down the messages of the seven thunders when a voice
from heaven ordered him
Keep the words of the seven thunders secret and do not write them down. (10:4)
Christ speaking to Maria Valtorta had this to say concerning the seven thunders,
You are too weak, My poor children to know the names of horror of the seven
Apocalyptic thunders. - - - It is not yet the hour for what was sealed to be opened - - all that is left for you to do is to pray for those who will have to go through it.
(M.Valtorta, op.cit. P.42)
The angel now tells John,
There is no more delay; as soon as the trumpet call of the seventh angel is heard,
the mysterious plan of God will be fulfilled according to the good news he
proclaimed through his servants the prophets. (10:6-7)
For St. Paul, the mysterious plan of God was the Salvation of the gentiles. However,
this mysterious plan of God refers to something occurring in the End Times. We
can speculate that it concerns the conversion of the Jews and many who follow
other religions. Those who survive the horrors of the End Times, though they be a
remnant, will rebuild the church of God and worship him alone, not our of fear but
out of love.
John is ordered to take a small scroll open in the hand of the angel.
Take it and eat; although it be sweet as honey in your mouth, it will be bitter in
your stomach. (10:9)
John did as he was commanded.
The small open scroll is in reality the messges dictated to Vassula Ryden in the
series called True Life in God, beginning in 1985.
Christ told Vassula,
I am solemly telling you that everything that came to pass and is to pass had
already been announced to you; every word has been written in my scroll this
scroll shall be opened, read, then consumed. I the Lord have purified my scroll by
my own blood so eat it. Read me. Pray Creation that wisdom may descend upon
you to nourish you and enable you to unveil the truths and mysteries that lie still
hidden in My Wisdom Books; pray for discernment, repent often and I will always
forgive you.
(V.Ryden op.cit Vol. I P.267 Nov. 10, 1988)
John was commissioned to
again proclaim Gods words about many peoples, nations tongues and kings.
(10:11)
The message John had to proclaim would be sweet to some because they will
believe and bitter to others who will be unwilling to heed the words of Christs
gospel.
Was John given all the revelations that Vassula received or were they left until now
to be revealed by Vassula? Her messages cover many nations and the future of their
peoples.
It is imperative that the dictated messages in the True Life In God series be
disseminated around the world. The events contained in the messages are
happening now.
Chapter 11
John is given a staff with which to measure
The temple of God and the altar and count all those who worship there. (11:1)
here measuring something is equal to offering protection. Those who are faithful to
Christ will be spared. (S. Kizhakk eyil op.cit P. 128)
John is told not to measure the outer courtyard.
for this has been given to the pagans who will trample the Holy City for forty-two
months. (11:2)
This signifies the reign of the Anti Christ.
Mean while I will entrust my Word to my two Witnesses who will proclaim it for one
thousand two hundred and sixty days, dressed in sack cloth. (11:3)
Who are these two Witnesses?
These are the two olive trees and two lamps which are before the Lord of the
earth. (11:4)
They are mentioned by the Zechariah.

I see a lampstand all of gold, with a bowl on top. On the stand are seven lamps and
there are seven pipes to feed them. There are also two olive trees, one at the right
of the bowl and another at the left. (Zech. 4:2-3)
Jesus told Vassula
that in the last days to come I will be sending you Moses and Elijah on your earth
but your generation shall not recognize them. (V. Ryden op.cit. Vol I. P.389 Jan
10,1990)
The terms Moses and Elijah are symbolic of the Twin Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
These witnesses are the two olive trees and two lamps before the throne of God.
They are repsented by the messages contained in the True Life in God series and
the blue book of the Marian movement of Priests.
I have been sending through them the spirit of Elijah and the spirit of Moses, those
two witnesses dressed in sack cloth (Ap. 11:3) to prophesy and remind you of My
Law, before my great Return:
(V.Ryden op.cit Vol. I P.532, July
23,1991)
You need not fear; in the end Our Hearts will prevail. (V.Ryden op.cit. Vol I. P. 563,
Oct 24, 1991)
The time of the prophetic mission of the twin Hearts through their mouth pieces is
forty two months. During that time they have the power to work miracles. Like Elijah
the prophet who withheld the rain for 3 years they too have the power, (See 1
Kings 17:1)
to close the sky and hold back the rain during the time of their prophetic mission.
(11:6) (42 months) Like Moses before them, the two witnesses have the power to
punish the earth with plagues including turning water into blood.
When the time of witnessing is complete the Beast will make war on the two
witnesses and kill them.
But it will be a symbolic death only. It will be a rejection of the messages of the Twin
Hearts mouthpieces.
The True Life in God and The blue Book of the Marian Movement of priests.
Their dead bodies will lie in the square of the Great City which the believers
figuratively call Sodom or Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. (11:8)
Christ tells Vassula,
My Holy Spirit of prophecy has become a plague to those who belong to the world
(11:10); their frenzied persecutions and total rejection they have for my
mouthpieces are similar to those of Sodom; their stubbornness to open their heart
and comply, their refusal to open their ears and listen to My Voice today, have gone
beyond the stubbornness of Pharaoh in Egypt. (11:8)
(V.Ryden op.cit. Vol. I P 532, July 23,1991)
The world will rejoice at the apparent cessation of the messages. The inhabitants of
the earth,
will rejoice, congratulate one another and exchange gifts among themselves.
(11:10)
Their rejoicing will be short lived.
These two prophets (the spirit of Elijah and Moses: the spirit of prophecies) will
appear as overcome by the Enemy, I shall breathe life into them and they will stand
up.
(V. Ryden Vol I. opcit. P.563-64 Oct.
24, 1991)
Not only will the two witnesses speak again but they will be like two lamps brighter
than ever, much to the consternation of their enemies. Their messages through the
prophecies of Jesus to Vassula and Our Lady to Fr. Stefano Gobbi will spread even
more around the world.
The sad part is that few will read them and heed the warnings.
The witnesses will complete their work and go up to heaven
in the midst of the clouds in the sight of their enemies (11:12)
When this happens, God will inflict a severe earth quake on the city (the world)
and many people will die, 7000 victimes of all religions and races. A perfect number
taken from all classes of people. Those that remain will be overcome with fear and
recognize the omnipotence of God.
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet.
The heavenly court acknowledges the establishment of the kingdom of God.
The 24 elders repeat their hymn of praise to God.
Then a strange thing happens.
The sanctuary of God in the heavens was opened and the Ark of the Covenant of
God could be seen inside the sanctuary (11:19)
Christ told Vassula,
Soon, very soon, I shall suddenly open My Sanctuary in Heaven and there, your
eyes unveiled, you will perceive, like a secret revelation : myriads of Angels,
thrones, Dominations, sovereignties, Powers all prostrated around The Ark of the
Covenant then, a breath will slide over your face and the powers of heaven will
shake, flashes of lightning will be followed by peals of thunder, suddenly upon you
will come a time of great distress, unparalleled since nations first came to
existence; for I will allow your soul to perceive all the events of your lifetime; I will
unfold them one after the other; to the great dismay of your soul, you will realize
how much innocent blood your sins shed, from victim souls; - - - your eyes will be
transfixed in mine which will be like two flames of fire; your heart then will look back
on its sins and will be seized with remorse; (V.Ryden op.cit Vol I Pgs 544-545 Sept.
15, 1991)
This extraordinary revelation will occur before the second coming of Christ. It has
been prophesied by Our Lady at Garabandal and others through the ages being
called the Warning, the Illumination of Consciences and the Second Pentecost.
It is a call to repentance.
According to Jewish traditions, the Ark had been taken and hidden by the prophet
Jeremiah before the destruction of the temple in 587 BC and would appear again to
the people at the coming of the Messiah. (S. Kizhakkeyil, op.cit P.131)
Chapter 12
A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon
under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. (12:1)
This woman clothed with the sun is the Blessed Mother.
About my head is therefore a crown of twelve stars. The crown is the sign of
Royalty. It is composed of twelve stars because it becomes the symbol of my
maternal and royal presence in the very heart of the people of God.
The twelve stars represent the twelve tribes of Israel, - - the stars also signify the
twelve Apostles, who are the foundation upon which Christ has founded his Church.
- - - The twelve stars signify a new reality. - - the stars about my head indicate those
who consecrate themselves to my Immaculate Heart - - called today the apostles of
the last times, are the most luminous stars of my royal crown.
(Words of Our Blessed Mother to Fr. S.Gobbi To the Priests Our Ladys Beloved
Sons, Dec 8, 1989)
She was pregnant and cried out in pain, looking to her time of delivery. (12:2)
We know that the birth of Christ was painless. Mary went into ecstasy and
miraculously delivered the Christ child through the walls of her womb, keeping her
virginity intact. It was not a normal birth but one befitting the son of God.
Why the travail in 12:2 ?

Mary as the Mother of all peoples is in anguish at the precarious state of humanity.
Then another sign appeared: a huge, red dragon with seven heads and ten horns
and wearing seven crowns on its heads. (12:3)
The beast with its seven heads and ten horns representing power and authority is
none other than Satan.
It had just swept along a third of the stars of heaven with its tail, throwing them
down to earth. (12:4)
Some authors consider the fallen stars to be the fallen angels.
But Christ explains to Maria Valtorta that these are clerics, religious and laity
seduced over the ages by the wiles of Satan.
This will be possible because not only the laity but also the clerics have lost and
lose more and more that steadfastness of faith of charity, of strength, of purity, of
detachment from the enticements of the world qualities necessary to remain
within the sphere of Gods light - - - they are those whom I defined as the salt of the
earth and light of the world: My Ministers. (M.Valtorta op.cit P.15)
The dragon stood ready to devour the child as soon as it was born but
her child was seized and taken up to God and to his throne. (12:5)
The child of course was symbolic of Christ the Messiah.
For her part,
the woman fled to the desert where God had prepared a place for her. (12:6)
It was imperative that the Mother of God be given safe haven. Her task is not yet
complete. In the end her prayers and those of the faithful will bind Satan in the
abyss forever.
War broke out in heaven. (12:7)
The result of this war was the defeat of Satan. Michael and his angel army fought
the pride and disobedience of the rebellious angels with understanding , reason and
truth and above all love of their creator.
In later ages,
Those who suffered persecution and Martyrdom could rightly rejoice at Satans
defeat.
They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.
(12:11)
The defeated dragon turned his attention to attack
the woman who had given birth to the male child. (12:13)
His attempts to harm the Blessed Mother were thwarted
The woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly into
the desert where she would be looked after for three and a half years. (12:14)
The Blessed Mother explains this passage.
The great eagle is the word of God, above all the word contained in the Gospel of
My Son Jesus. Of the four Gospels, the eagle indicates that of Saint John, - - - the two
wings of the eagle are the word of God received, loved and kept with faith and the
word of God lived with grace and charity.
(To the
Priests Our Ladys Beloved Sons M.M. of P. Pg 597)
The serpent poured water out his mouth after the woman to carry her away in the
flood, but the earth came to her rescue; it opened its mouth and swallowed the
flood which the dragon had poured from its mouth. (12:16)
The desert that the woman was taken to
is made up of the hearts and souls of all those children who receive me, who listen
to me, who entrust themselves completely to me, who consecrate themselves to my
Immaculate Heart.
(M.M. Of P. ibid P.598)
What is this flood of water if not the ensemble of these new theological theories,
by which an attempt is being made to bring your heavenly mother down from that
place where the most Holy Trinity has put her? (M.M. of P. ibid P.264)
Chapter 13
There are three beasts mentioned in the Apocalypse. The first is the huge Red
Dragon (12:3) The second is the beast like a leopard. (13:1-3) The third is the beast
like a lamb. (13:11-13)
The huge Red Dragon is Satan manifested by Marxist a theism, which appears with
communication, in order to lead humanity to disobey the Ten Commandments of
God, and with seven heads upon each of which there is a crown, signs of authority
and royalty. The crowned heads indicate the nations in which atheistic communism
is established. - - - Its colour is red because it uses wars and blood as instruments of
its numerous conquests. (M.M of P. ibid P.599)
The second beast.
Then I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten
crowns on its horns. On each head was a title Challenging God. The beast I saw
looked like a leopard with paws like a bear and a mouth like a lion. The dragon
passed on his power, his throne and his great authority to the beast. One of its
heads seemed to be fatally wounded but this wound healed. (13:1-3)
This second beast is from the sea, the place of demonic forces for the Jews. The
Blessed Mother says it is black in colour. She goes on to explain what this beast is.
The Black Beast is Freemasonry. The Dragon manifests himself in the force of his
power; the Black Beast , on the other hand, acts in the shadow - - - he works
everywhere with cunning and with means of social communication, that is to say
through propaganda. The seven heads indicate the various Masonic lodges- - - This
Black Beast has ten horns and on the horns ten crowns which are signs of dominion
and royalty. (M.M. of P. ibid P.601)
This beast utters blasphemies against God; spreads everywhere black masses and
the satanic cult; spreads laws opposed to Gods commandments; reduces Christs
name to the level of a brand name; produces sacrilegious films concerning the life
of Christ such as having him involved in a sexual relationship with Mary Magdalene;
turns the weekend into days of sports, competitions and entertainment; proposes
gay marriages and cohabitation; makes abortion legal and euthanasia acceptable;
encourages immoral T.V. and cinema, produces dark and sinister motifs on T shirts
and jackets; encourages denigrating foul language in songs.
The list is endless.
People prostrated themselves before the Dragon and the Beast like a Leopard. This
second beast,
was allowed to wield its power for forty two months. It spoke blasphemies against
God, his name and his sanctuary, - - - it was allowed to make war on the saints and
to conquer them. (13:5-7)
So persuasive is this second beast that it will seduce with its false doctrines many of
the followers of Christ. Its aim is the destruction of Christianity. Those that resist will
suffer imprisonment or the sword. (v.10)
Then I saw another beast rise out of the earth, with two horns like the Lamb but
speaking like the dragon. (13:11)
It works miracles and wonders and is able to deceive the inhabitants of the earth.
It persuades people to make a statue to the Dragon and gives spirit and speech to
this statue.
Those who refuse to worship it are killed. (13:15)
The bishops of the Church wear the mitre with two horns to indicate the fullness of
their priesthood. The black beast like a leopard indicates Freemasonary; the beast
with the two horns like a lamb indicates Freemasonary infiltrated into the interior of
the church, that is to say, ecclesiastical masonary.
(M M of P. ibid P.606)
The task of the beast like a lamb is to destroy the church from within. Its aim is to
justify sin. One of its successes is the disappearance of individual confession. It
leads theologians to doubt the historical reality of miracles and many of the faithful
to deny the resurrection. It encourages a false ecumenism, asserting that each
religion has some part of the truth. It attacks devotion to the Eucharist and the
Blessed Mother. It leads people to deny the presence of God in the tabernacle and
encourages priests to remove the tabernacle to a side altar. It encourages those
who denigrate the pope and openly disobey him. Finally it encourages a falling
away of the faithful into large scale non attendance at Mass and apostasy. On the
political side it works to separate the church and the state. The success of Masonry
in both its forms is self evident in the world around us.
The beast like a lamb makes everyone to be branded on the right hand or the
forehead and no one can buy or sell unless he has been branded with the name of
the beast or with the number of its name. - - the number of the Beast, it is 666 and
it is the name of a certain person. (13:16-18)
Some background first.
The idol to be worshipped is a false Christ and a false church. Already there is within
the confines of the Vatican an ecclesiastic who will aspire to and ascend to the
highest position in the Catholic Church, the throne of St.Peter. He is the Antichrist.
He will change the traditions and laws of the church and be extremely persuasive.
So much so, that two thirds of the faithful will follow him.
About thirty years ago an Irish Mystic, Christina Gallagher, was granted a number of
visions of the AntiChrist.
His face had a sallow complexion. His hair was cut short and very black. He had a
roundish, bold looking face with very dark eyes. He was broad shouldered. His looks
were piercing and penetrating. They were unusual. He did not smile He seemed to
be a priest or a bishop.
(The
Final Apocalyptic Prophecies of the Two Witnesses. Two Witnesses Press. Manila
P.248)
For the Antichrist to be able to ascend the throne of Peter, the throne would have to
be vacant. As of this writing (2012) the chair of Peter is occupied by Pope Benedict
XVI. If a person were to replace him, that person would need to be a Cardinal.
Perhaps the AntiChrist is already a member of the college of Cardinals.
With regard to the Mark of the Beast on the right hand and the forehead. The right
hand is the normal one with which to perform work is the seat of human activity
where as the forehead represents the seat of intelligence. It is on the forehead that
Christ himself will imprint his own sign, signifying that the person so signed belongs
to him as a faithful follower.
Thirty years ago, Scientists in the U.S. produced a microchip run by a selenium
battery. The unit was the size of a grain of rice. The microchip has been upgraded
and inserted under the skin of a variety of animals. It is now in common use for
indentifying pets and livestock.
Recently a new device has been invented. It is the radio frequency I.D. The
prototypes had chips the size of a postage stamp. Technology has advanced. The
chip is now the size of a period at the end of this sentence. A new minute battery
1/32nd of an inch in size has been devised by the Israelis. Where as before the
R.D.i.F could be read by a sensor many meters away, the Israelis have developed a
satellite capable of reading the R.D.I.F from the upper atmosphere.
If this R.D.I.F is encoded with the number 666, then its a simple matter to mark
people with a chip designating them as followers of the beast and giving them the
right to buy and sell.
Why is the number of the Beast 666?
The number 333 indicates the divinity. - - - 333 is the number which indicates the
mystery of God. He who wants to put himself above God bears the sign 666, and
consequently this number indicates the name Lucifer, Satan,
666 indicated once, that is to say for the first time expresses the year 666, six
hundred and sixty six. In this period of history, the AntiChrist is manifested through
the phenomenon of Islam, which directly denies the mystery of the Divine Trinity
and the divinity of Jesus Christ. - - 666 indicated twice, that is to say, for the second time, expresses the year 1332,
thirteen hundred and thirty two. In this period of history, the AntiChrist is
manifested through a radical attack on the faith in the word of God. - - - There come
to birth the great philosophical errors which continue through the centuries down to
your days. The exaggerated importance given to reason as an exclusive criterion of
truth. - - The authentic Magisterium of the hierarchial church - - is obstinately
rejected. - 666 indicated thrice, that is to say, for a third time, expresses the year 1998,
nineteen hundred and ninety eight. In this period of history, Freemasonary assisted
by its ecclesiastical form, will succeed in its great design: that is the setting up of an
idol to put in the place of Christ and of his church. - - You have arrived at the peak of
the purification of the great tribulation and of the apostasy.

(MM of P. op.cit Pgs 611-12)
As of this writing the idol is represented in one of its aspects as Television. T.V is
viewed right around the world. Its influence is tremendous. It can be found in almost
every home.
As of this moment, the pope remains duly elected. The delay in the success of the
evil designs of Freemasonary can be attributed to the prayers of the Blessed Mother
and the mercy of God.
Chapter 14
The Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, surrounded by one hundred and forty four
thousand people who had his name and his Fathers name written on their
foreheads. (14:1)
The 144,000 is symbolic. They are people from all around the world.
These will be the trees of life which will bear twelve crops of fruit in a year, one in
each month and the leaves of which are a cure for pagans (V.Ryden op.cit Vol. I
P.489)
In Ezekials vision of the temple he sees,
A number of trees on both sides of the river. - - - on both banks there will be all
kinds of fruit trees with foliage that will not whither and fruit that will never fail;
each month they will bear a fresh crop because the water comes from the temple.
The fruit will be good to eat and the leaves will be used for healing.
(Ezek.
47:7 and 47:12)
Christ speaking to Maria Valtorta says,
Wisdom will always give strength and light on earth, salvation and bliss beyond
earth. It will give itself and every one who served it and deserved it will be among
the 144,000 of whom John speaks.
(M.Valtorta op.cit P.74)
With regard to the mark on the believers foreheads, the angels fill it with white hot
gold which cannot be removed and which makes your foreheads shine like the sun
in My Paradise.
(M.Valtorta, ibid, P.40)
There are two additional aspects concerning the 144,000. Firstly, they sing a new
song before the throne (v.3) and secondly
they are those who were not defiled with women but were chaste. (v.4)
With regard to the new song, its a song of love. Its contents are the messages of
the True Life in God dictations. One part of this is a beautiful statement
concerning the Mother of God. (V.Ryden op.cit. Vol II Pgs 128-129) The second
attribute of the 144,000 is that this group appears to be made up of males who
practiced celibacy. If that is true then it refers to priests and religious through the
ages who were faithful to their consecrated life.
They follow the Lamb where he goes. (v.4)
And
No deceit has been found in them: they are faultless. (v.5)
The chapter (14) now ushers in new topics.
An angel is sent to the inhabitants of the earth to proclaim
Give God glory and honour, for the hour of his judgement has come. (14:7)
A second angel follows crying out,
Fallen is Babylon the Great, fallen the prostitute who has made all nations drunk
with her unleashed prostitution. (14:8)
Scholars have interpreted Babylon as referring to Ancient Rome. Protestant groups
especially the seventh Day Adventists, attribute the term to the Catholic Church.
Christ in speaking to Maria Valtorta about Babylon has this to say,
Commentators on Johns book have exhausted themselves in many deductions to
explain to themselves and to the crowds what the great Babylon maybe. - - - But
why have they never thought that the great Babylon is the whole earth? - - Is the
Earth by any chance not the Great harlot that fornicated with all the powers of
earth and hell? - - Is Earth by any chance not soaked with the martyrs blood.
(M.Valtorta, op.cit, P.50-51)
By Earth Christ explained to Maria Valtorta he meant all the inhabitants of the
earth. (P.53 M.Valtorta)
Let us continue.
A third angel follows proclaiming,
If anyone worships the beast or has its image or has his forehead or hand branded
he will also drink the wine of Gods anger which has been prepared, undiluted in the
cup of his fury: he will be tortured by fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy
angels and the Lamb. (14:9-10)
This is a serious consequence for ones soul. Many people believe God is a God of
love and would not create in any form a place of eternal punishment. They are
wrong. The Justice of God demands payment for evil committed.
For those who follow the beast we are told,

The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; for there is no rest, day or
night, for those who worshipped the beast and its image and for those who were
branded with the mark of its name. (14:11)
On the other hand, those who have been faithful to Christ can rejoice.
Happy from now on are the dead who have died in the Lord. The spirit says: let
them rest from their labours; their good deeds go with them. (14:13)
Then John has a vision.
I saw a white cloud and the one sitting on it like a Son of Man, wearing a golden
crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand (14:14)
At the word of an angel
He who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle at the earth and reaped the
harvest. (14:16)
It is a reasonable supposition to believe the one sitting on the cloud to be Christ.
However a little later John says. Another angel says to the first
Swing your sharp sickle and reap the bunches of the earth for they are fully ripe.
(14:18)
These grapes were thrown into the wine press of Gods wrath and when trodden
outside the city,
the blood flowed from the winepress, to the height of the horses bridles and over
an area of sixteen hundred furlongs. (14:20)
This section refers to divine judgement on the earth. The image of the sickle and
the wine press is found in the prophet Joel (Joel 4:13) Winepresses were common
enough in Palestine even in the time of Jesus. It is not clear why the wine press is
outside the city (v.20) Nor if the city referred to is Jerusalem. However Joel refers
to the Valley of Jehosaphat which is indeed outside Jerusalem. (Joel 4:12)
The amount of blood trodden out is enormous. It is the height of a horses bridal
(about 4 ft) and extending for sixteen hundred furlongs. One fulong is 220 yards,
so 1,600 furlongs is a distance of 352,000 yards or 200 miles (or 322 kms). If the
statement is taken literally, the shedding of blood is staggering. Such a figure
indicates universal punishment.
Chapter 15
Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in the heavens: seven angels brought
seven plagues which are the last, for with these the wrath of God will end. (15:1)
One of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden cups full of
the wrath of God. (15:7)
These plagues are divine punishment on sinners.
The angels who are to execute this final punishment come from the sanctuary of the
tent of Divine Declarations (v.5) dressed in bright linen and with their waists girl
with golden belts. This is the first time the sanctuary refers to a tent of Divine
Declarations. This phrase remains undeciphered. There is no temple in the
heavenly city because the heavenly Jerusalem is sacred and is wholly permeated
with the glory of God.
Prior to the arrival of the seven angels the conquerors of the Beast sing the song of
Moses. This is the song of victory over the Egyptians. (Exod 15) (15:3-4)
Nobody can enter the sanctuary until the angels of the seven plagues have
executed God will.
The smoke from the glory of God fills the sanctuary blocking anybody from entering.
This suggests that requests, laments and intercessions are no more relevant to
God who comes to give the final judgement. (S.Kishakkeyil, op.cit P.149)
Chapter 16
The first angel went to empty his cup on the earth, and malignant and painful
sores appeared on the people who bore the Mark of the beast and had bowed to his
image (16:2)
The Blessed Mother tells Fr. Gobbi,
The first plague is that of malignat tumours and every kind of cancer, against
which science can do nothing not with standing its progress in every field. - - - The
first plague is the new Malady of Aids which strikes above all my poor children who
are victims of drugs, of vices and of impure sins against nature.
(M.M. of P.
op.cit P.622)
The second angel emptied his bowl into the sea which turned into blood like that of
the dead, and every living thing in the sea died. (16:3)
The effect of this intensifies the result of the second trumpet mentioned in 8:9. Such
a happening devastates the livelihood and food supply of vast numbers of the
earths inhabitants.
The third angel emptied his cup into the rivers and springs that turned into blood.
(16:4)
The reason for this phenomenon of blood is given by the angel of the waters.
Since they (the earths inhabitants) have shed the blood of your holy ones and the
prophets, you have made them drink blood; they rightly deserved it. (16:6)
The offense is correlated to the punishment, blood for blood, including the blood of
Christ.
The fourth angel emptied his cup on the sun and its heat began to scorch people.
(16:8)
The sun is the source of warmth and light for the earths inhabitants. It affects the
winds and the seas. Above all it is the catalyst in the important process of
photosynthesis which promotes the growth of plant life including protozoans in the
sea.
We have all felt the effects of a scorching summer and a prolonged drought.
However humans cannot tolerate excessive heat. They were severely burned.
(16:9)
God uses nature to punish evildoers.
The fifth angel emptied his cup on the throne of the beast and suddenly his
kingdom was in darkness and the people bit their tongues in agony. (16:10)
Scholars suggest the beasts kingdom to be the Roman Empire. However the
Apocalypse is concerned with the future, in fact our present age. Evildoers have
been corrupted by false teachings and false miracles of the Beast. The powerful
have been led astray and willingly battle against God.
The Beast represents all political activity in the world that is generated by Satan.
The main proponents of this activity are the freemasons, whose aim is one world
government and the destruction of Christianity.
The Beasts throne represents all the earths inhabitants who have been seduced
to follow Satan. The darkness they experience fills them with fear. There can be no
human activity in pitch darkness. Such was the case with the three days of darkness
that fell upon the inhabitants of Ancient Egypt.
The sixth angel poured out his cup on the great river Euphrates; then it waters
dried up leaving a free passage way for the kings of the east. (16:12)
At the time Revelation was written, the Kings of the East would have been
understood in terms of the Parthians. (N.J.B.C P.1011 Art. 52)
The Euphrates is a large river. If it were to dry up, the Parthians would have an
easier access to the Eastern Roman Provinces.
The Kings from the East are followed by three unclean spirits which looked like
frogs. They are in fact, spirits of demons that perform marvelous things and go to
the Kings of the whole world to gather them for battle on the great day of God, the
master of the universe. (16:13-14) They are three, aping the Blessed Trinity. All of
these kings of the world gather at Armaggedon for a final great battle against Gods
faithful followers. Armaggedon is reputed to mean the hills of Megiddo. It is
situated slightly North East of Mt. Carmel. This is the final battle of evil beings,
spiritual and human against the remnant of Gods followers. Despite the
overwhelming superiority of the evil forces, God will intervene and destroy them
completely.
The seventh angel emptied his bowl into the air. (16:17)
This is the final catastrophe to strike the earth. A violent earthquake will shake the
world with tremendous devastation. All the works of man throughout the entire
earth will crumble. The earthquake will not shake for seconds, but upwards of
twenty to thirty minutes. No city will be spared. In the aftermath the survivors will
be few but they will honour God.
Chapter 17
There a woman was seated on a red beast. The beast, which had seven heads and
ten horns, covered itself with titles and statements that offend God. The woman was
clothed in purple and scarlet, - - - Her name could be read on her forehead, written
in a mysterious way: Babylon the Great, mother of prostitutes and of the loathsome
idols of the whole world. (17:3-5)
The Beast is in reality political power at the service of Satan. The prostitute
represents a city.
The personification of cities by the Hebrew prophets was very common (Isa.1:21,
66:7-16, Jer. 15:9, Ezek.16) - - The personification of the city as female and the image of prostitution for idolatry
and excessive wealth have roots in the Hebrew tradition. (N.J.B.C P.1012 Art 52)
Most commentators postulate that Babylon the Great refers to Rome and its
dominions. Antagonists of the Catholic Church identify it with the Vatican.
We have already stated the words of Christ that Babylon means the inhabitants of
the whole earth.
We will add more.
Earths crimes have all the names of blasphemy, as does the beast with which
Earth and its inhabitants have allied themselves in triumph. The seven sins are like
a horrible ornament on the head of the Beast which leads Earth and earthlings to
the pasture of Evil, and the ten horns, a metaphorical number, show the infinite foul
deeds done to get, whatever the cost, all the Beasts frenzied greed decrees.
(M.Valtorta op.cit P.51)
Evil pervades the whole world. Satan has had unbounded success. Is it any wonder
that Gods punishment to come upon the earth, in the not too distant future, is
beyond human reckoning. Even the horrible events to come, are less than our sins
deserve.
An angel informs John that
The beast you have seen has been though it is not. (17:8)
Christ says to Maria Valtorta,
It was, because it really existed: `it is not, because I, Christ will have defeated it
and buried it- -
(M.Valtorta, ibid, P.51)
Those who followed the Beast and do not have their names written in the Book of
life (v.80
They will marvel on discovering that the Beast ` who has been is not and passes
away (17:8)
Its end is everlasting perdition.
The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. And they are also seven
kings. - - - the ten horns are ten kings who have not yet received power but will
have authority for an hour with the Beast. (17:9, 17:12)
The Seven hills have been traditionally considered to refer to the Seven hills of
Rome. But there are a number of cities in the world built on seven hills, including
Athens. As well, the seven hills also represent seven kings. (v.9)
These kings will rise to power with the coming of Satans reign. They represent
seven nations who will give their full support to Satan. As of now they have not
been properly identified. They will fight against Christ, but
The Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings. (17:14)
The ten horns, and the Beast itself will plan evil against the prostitute. They will
destroy her and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and set her on fire. (17:16)
This is a strange twist of events. It represents an internal struggle amongst Satans
followers. God can bring good out of evil. In this case
God makes use of them to carry out his plan. (17:17)

Why the Beast and the ten kings should turn against the prostitute is not
adequately explained by scripture scholars. Perhaps she no longer serves any
purpose.
Chapter 18
A powerful angel announces
Fallen is Babylon the Great (18:2)
This follows from her destruction mentioned in 17:16-17.
There follows a dirge recalling how she corrupted the nations. She
fornicated with the kings, of the earth and gluttered the worlds merchants with her
wantoness and wealth. (18:3)
Everyone profited from her debauchery.
She, Babylon, in reality
The depraved inhabitants of the earth, encompassed the world with evil. They
receive their just punishment.
The kings who practiced evil in all its forms were shocked at the retribution that the
errors they perpetrated brought upon the world. Merchants who plied the seas for
profit and material gain,
Will mourn over her, for they will lose their markets (18:11)
Their opportunities for material success will cease suddenly.
Never will you recover them, never (18:14)
Their livelihoods have gone.
There is an announcement against
Merchant mariners who in fact are traders, who gained their wealth through
greed. They cared not for the things of the spirit or building their wealth in heaven.
Chapter 19
A great change comes with the fall of Babylon.
I heard what sounded like the loud singing of a great assembly in heaven (19:1)
Just as three groups, kings (18:9), merchants of the world (18:11), mariners (18:17)
all lamented over the fall of their enterprises,
Here we see three groups in heaven singing a victory song: A huge crowd in
heaven, the 24 elders and the four living creatures. A great multitude in heaven
sings Halleluia or praise the Lord.
(S.kizhakkeyil,
op.cit. P.159)
It is only here that the word halleluia is found in the whole of the New Testament.
A great crowd replies to the praises of the previous group. What they sing about is
the start of the reign of God.
Halleluia! The Lord now reigns. (v.6)
The time has come for the marriage of the Lamb with his faithful followers. In the
Old Testament, Gods relationship with his people has been described as a marriage.
(Hos2, 1-23, Isa.54:4-8, Jer.3:1-13, Ezek16)
This marriage is a very real event that occurs in the soul of each individual. It is a
transforming union of the persons soul with Christ. It is an extraordinary holy
embrace. Some few chosen souls such as St.Teresa of Avila, St. Faustina Kowalska,
St. Padre Pio, St Francis of Assissi, have experienced this extraordinary happening
even while they were alive on earth.
Then there follows the Wedding feast of the Lamb.
An angel commands John to write
Happy are those invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb. (19:9)
It will be a feast beyond our comprehension. Christ himself will share heavenly wine
with all of us. Here, it is disguised in the Blessed Eucharist, there it will be a joyous
sharing among friends. Speaking at the institution of the Last Supper, Christ tells
the apostles,
Yes, I say to you: I will not taste the fruit of the Vine from now until the day I drink
new wine with you in my Fathers kingdom. (Matt.26:29)
John falls down at the feet of the angel instructing him in order to worship him.
Quite rightly the angel informs John,
Worship God alone. (19:10)
The commentary takes a dramatic turn with John beholding an awe inspiring vision.
Then I saw heaven opened and a white horse appeared. Its rider is the Faithful and
True, he judges and wages just wars. His eyes are flames of fire; he wears many
crowns and written on him is his own name, which no one can understand except
himself. He is clothed in a cloak drenched in blood. His name is `the word of God.
-
- A sharp sword comes out of his mouth - - - this title is written on his cloak
and on his thigh: `King of kings and Lord of lords. (19:11-13, 15,16)
This figure pictures Christ riding on a white horse and accompanied by the armies of
heaven on white horses. This is the glorified Christ coming with power to destroy
the kingdoms of this world who followed the beast.
No one escapes. Destruction is total. As the carcasses of Kings, generals, the mighty
and their horses lie shattered on the final battlefield, an angel calls the birds of the
air
Come here to the great feast of God (19:17)
They are to feast on the flesh of the fallen men and their horses.
The beast was captured with the false prophet who served it. - - - the two were
thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulphur. (19:20)
Christ told Maria Valtorta that the beast represents political power at the devils
service.
(M.Valtorta, op.cit., P87 heading 55) Just as God had his
champion in St. Michael, so Satan apes Michael with his own champion, the Beast.
Satan makes use of this violent seducer of mankind. Not only does the beast
persuade the worlds peoples with political power but he uses science to infuse
intellectual pride into people and separate them from the true findings of science
i.e. an understanding of the world that shows the wonder of God.
The false prophet who serves the Beast is the second beast, the Lamb like
creature with two horns,
Speaking like the dragon. (12:11) This is free masonry having entered into the
church. It will share the fate of the beast. Both of them hurled alive into the lake of
burning sulphur.
Chapter 20
Then an angel came down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the Abyss
and a huge chain. He seized the monster, the ancient serpent, namely Satan or the
devil and chained him for a thousand years. (20:1-2)
In speaking to Fr. Gobbi, the Blessed Mother had this to say,
My Son Jesus alone possesses the key of the abyss, because He Himself is the Key
of David, who opens and no one can shut, who shuts and no one can open.
Jesus consigns this key which represents his divine power, into my hand because as
his Mother, Mediatrix between you and my son, there is entrusted to me the task of
conquering Satan and all his powerful army of evil. - - - The chain with which the
great Dragon is to be bound, is made up of prayer made with me and by means of
me. This prayer is that of the holy rosary.
(M.M. of Priests, op.cit, P.737 Oct 7, 1992)
Mary is Queen of all Angels. She may delegate the binding of Satan to one of her
army of heavenly beings. On the other hand She may perform this task herself in
order to fulfil the scriptures.
I saw all those who had refused to worship the beast or its image or receive its
mark on the forehead on the hand. They returned to life and reigned with the
Messiah for a thousand and years. This is the first resurrection. (20:4)
Christ told Maria Valtorta, concerning the two resurrections,
The first begins when the soul is separated from the body and appears before me
in the particular judgement. But it is only a partial resurrection. Rather than a
resurrection one could say a release of the spirit from the envelope of the flesh, - - The one who has killed his spirit with an earthly life of sin comes to Me, in the
particular judgement, with a spirit already dead. The final resurrection will bring
about that his flesh takes up again the weight of the dead spirit to die with it utterly.
Whereas the one who has overcome the flesh in his earthly life comes to me, in the
particular judgement, with a living spirit which, as it enters heaven, increases its
life. (M. Valtorta, op.cit, P.55)
Christ goes on to explain
That is why one can speak of a first and second death, and consequently of a first
and second resurrection. The latter is eternal possession of Light because in
heaven you possess God, and God is Light. (M. Valtorta, ibid, P.55)
The Second death is none other than eternal damnation and the loss of God.
With regard to the spirits of those beheaded for having held faithfully to the
teachings of Christ, chapter 20, V.4 states,
They returned to life and reigned with the Messiah for a thousand years. (20:4)
Christians have debated this passage from the beginning of the church. The period
of one thousand years for the chaining of Satan (20:2) and the reign with Christ of
one thousand years of the beheaded spirits has to all intents and purposes come
and gone.
The one thousand years is symbolic. The Catholic Church believes that from the
second defeat of Satan at the death of Christ up to the 19 th Century, was the period
of the Church wherein the actions of Satan and his cohorts were mitigated.
At La Salette in 1846 the Blessed Mother told the two young visionaries, Maximin
and Melanie,
In the year 1864, Lucifer together with a large number of demons will be released
from hell: They will put an end to faith little by little even in those dedicated to
God.
(The Final Apocalyptic Prophecies of the Two Witnesses. op.cit, P.126)
The apparitions at La Salette have been approved by the Church.
We are living in that period of time when Satan has been freed from the confines of
the abyss. He will, with his army of demons, lead a great number of souls to
perdition.
The Catholic church rejects in any form the thousand year earthly reign of Christ
with chosen companions, espoused by Protestant denominations and sects. Christ
will come to reign only after the final Judgement, not before.
At the end of these thousand years of confinement when Satan has been released
he will set out to deceive the nations of the four corners of the world, namely Gog
and Magog, and gather them for war. (20:8)
From the prophet Ezekiel we learn,
turn towards Gog of the country of Magog, the chief prince of Meschech and Tubal - (Ezek.38:2)
Magog is situated to the far North of Israel.
Ezekiel foretells an invasion of Israel by a multitude of nations led by Gog, God will
intervene and punish the invaders with plague and bloodshed.
but fire came down from heaven and devoured them. (20:9)
Ezekiel is even more colourful in his detail.
On that day I shall give Gog a well known burial place in Israel, the valley of
Abarim, on the East of the sea, the Valley where the traveler has to stop. There they
will bury Gog and his hordes and they will call it the Valley of the Multitude of Gog. It
will take seven months to bury the dead and cleanse the country. (Ezek. 39:1112)
Then the devil, the seducer, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur, where the
beast and the false prophet already were. Their torment will last day and night
forever and ever. (20:10)
There is finality here. Satan is defeated for the last time. He is not annihilated but
joins the Beast and the false prophet in a lake of fire and sulphur. His reign of
terror which began in the garden of Eden is over.
Following Satans demise, the vision changes to the drama of the Great Tribunal at
the end of time. Heaven and earth have disappeared leaving no trace (20:11)
I saw the dead, both great and small standing before the throne while books were
opened. (20:12)
All the dead are raised to life.
Two types of books appear thereafter: one contains the deeds of human beings
while the other is the book of life containing the names of the chosen ones.
(S.Kizhakkeyil, op.cit. P.167)
Jewish tradition attests to the belief that angels record the works of men as
evidence for the final judgement.
All humanity is divided into those whose names are written in the book of life and
those whose names are not written therein. - - - The image of election and non
election is placed side by side with the image of human responsibility. (N.J.B.C
P.1015 Art.61)
The sea, death and the netherworld all gave up their dead for judgement.
Then death and the netherworld were thrown into the lake of fire. (20:14)
For Christians, death is a transition from earthly life to eternal life. Here both death
and the netherworld are personified as agents of evil. This is a Jewish concept. Like
the non elect they are hurled into eternal punishment to become companions of
Satan and his cohorts.
Chapter 21
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had
passed away and no longer was these any sea. (21:1)
Isaiah, who lived c.700 years before. Christ had foretold this wondrous event. He
speaks on Gods behalf,
I now create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things will not be
remembered, nor will they come to mind again. (Isa.65:17)
This is Johns last vision. A new heaven and a new earth appear before him. This is a
world of new relations between God and humanity. All evil has passed away, and the
sea is no more.
The disappearance of the sea symbolizes the complete victory of creation over
chaos, of life over death. Traditionally the sea was believed to be the abode of Satan
and demonic forces and even sea monsters.
I saw the New Jerusalem, the holy city coming down from God, out of heaven,
adorned as a bride prepared for her husband. (21:2)
The Holy City represents the new people of God with God himself present to them
face to face.
He will pitch his tent among them and they will be his people, he will be God with
them. (21:3)
In the New Jerusalem there will be no more death, mourning or pain. Those who
thirsted for God will have their fill.
I myself will give the thirsty to drink without cost from the fountain of living water.
(21:6)
All those who followed evil will not drink of the living water but will suffer the
second death, eternal punishment.
God designates himself as
the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. (21:6)
These letters of the Greek Alphabet can be found on the doors, altars, linen and
vestments in Catholic churches, acknowledging God as the Creator of all things.
The vision of the New Jerusalem continues.
The wall of the city is high and has twelve gates over which are the names of the
twelve tribes of Israel. The gates are always open and face in the four cardinal
points of the compass signifying universality. The gates are guarded by angel
watchmen. Not out of fear of enemies but out of respect, in the same way that each
church on earth has its guardian spirit.
The twelve foundation stones of the city have written on them the names of the
twelve apostles. In just the same way that the apostles were the foundation of the
church Christ founded, along with the prophets, the new order, the new Jerusalem,
the new church, honours Christs faithful companions. Their names will be
remembered forever.
The city is laid out like a square of 12,000 furlongs. (1,500 miles)
The wall is made of jasper and the city of pure gold, crystal clear. The foundation of
the wall are adorned with every kind of precious jewel. (21:18-19)
The twelve jewels listed,
Correspond to the twelve stones on the breast plate of the high priest. In Johns
time these stones were associated with the twelve constellations of the Zodiac.
(N.J.B.C P.1015 Art 63)
I saw no temple in the city for the Lord God, Master of the Universe, and the Lamb
are themselves its temple.
Where as in the Old Jerusalem, the temple and its inner sanctuary were holy, in the
New Jerusalem the complete city is holy. There is no need for the sun or the moon
because God in his glory lights the city and it is just one continuous day. Night has
ceased to exist.
The nations shall stream to the city but all must be purified of sin.
Nothing unclean will enter it. (21:27)
Those not purified in Purgatory, God will cleanse on the day of the resurrection, if
their names are written in the Lambs book of life. Nothing blemished can stand in
the presence of God.
Chapter 22
Then he showed me the river of life, gushing from the throne of God and of the
Lamb. In the middle of the city, on both sides of the river are the trees of life
producing fruit twelve times once each month, the leaves of which are for healing
the nations. (22:1-2)
Of the river of life Ezekiel says,
Wherever the river flows, swarms of creatures will live in it; fish will be plentiful and
the sea water become fresh. (Ezek. 47:9)
Some commentators see the Holy Spirit imaged in the stream of living water. They
draw this conclusion from the words in Johns Gospel concerning living water.
Jesus was referring to the Spirit which those who believe in him were to receive.
(Jn.7:39)
As to the trees of life on both banks of the river, this has been discussed already.
Ezekiel also mentions these fruit bearing trees with leaves that can be used for
healing. (See Ezekiel 47:12)
Those who have been faithful to Christ, they will live in Gods presence.
They will see his face and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no
more night. They will not need the light of lamp or sun for God himself will be their
light and they will reign forever. (22:4-5)
This is almost a repeat of 21:23 with regard to God being the source of light in the
New Jerusalem. The name written on the forehead, applies to all Gods faithful
followers, including the 144,000 mentioned in 14:1.
The good thing is they will reign forever (22:5)
This last book in the bible reminds the inhabitants of the world that Christ will come
again soon.
(22:7,22:12 and 22:20)
Jesus told Vassula Ryden
Soon, and that is your soon I will speak and my voice will be of flame destroying
those who are destroying the earth. (V. Ryden op.cit Vol II P.205 Jan 12,1995.)
My return is imminent - - - My love for all compels me to bring forward My return.
(V. Ryden, ibid. Vol II P.396 Nov 5,1998)
My divine visitation is at hand
(V, Ryden, ibid. Vol II P.491 Feb, 2002)
Jesus told Vassula that he would return in her lifetime. She is now 67 years old.
(2012)
When he comes he will
pay to each one according to his deeds (22:12)
This final chapter contains two blessings, v.7 and v.14. To clarify all the blessings
mentioned in the Apocalypse we will list them here.
1. Happy is the one who reads aloud these prophetic words, and happy those
who hear them and treasure everything written here, the times is near. (1:3)
2. Happy from now on are the dead who have died in the Lord. The Spirit says:
let them rest from their labours; their good deeds go with them. (14:13)
3. Happy is the one who stays awake and does not take off his clothes; so he
will not have to go naked and his whole body be exposed for all to see.
(16:15)
4. Happy are those invited to the wedding of the Lamb. (19:9)
5. Happy and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection. (20:6)
6. Happy are those who keep the prophetic words of this book. (22:7)
7. Happy are those who wash their robes for they will have free access to the
tree of Life and enter the city through the gates. (22:14)
Some final points: John expected the events depicted in this book to
happen soon, not 2000 years later.
John has little hope that the wicked will repent.
Christ is the source of the revelations to the seven
churches.
The contents of the book can neither be reduced
nor added to.
It ends with the Aramaic expression Maranatha
Come Lord as does the first letter to the
Corinthians. This is a call that delights Christ.
The words of this book are not to be kept secret.
Table of Contents
Section One.
Important People in Johns Gospel.
Section Two.
The Gospel of St. John.
Section Three.
The Letters of St. John.
Section Four.
The Apocalypse.
Dedication Page
in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with
God and the Word was God; He was in the beginning with
God. All things were made through him and without him
nothing came to be . Whatever has come to be, found life
in him, life which for humans was also light. (John 1:1-3)
This book is dedicated to the End Time Apostles who will
re-evangelize the world and restore Christs church, poor
but holy.
Bibliography
Brown R.E. the Gospel and Epistles of John. St. Pauls, 1994.
Brown R.E. (S.S), Fitzmyer J.A (S.J.) and Murphy R.E. (O.Carm)
New Jerome Biblical Commentary.
Theoligical Publications in India, Bangalore, 1999.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Collins, Adela Yarbro Apocalypse.

Maloney, F.J. (S.D.B) Johannine Theology.
Perkins, Pheme The Gospel According to John.
Perkins, Pheme The Johannine Epistles.
Charpentier, E. How to Read the New Testament. Claretian Publications, 1997.

Collins, R. John and His Witness. St. Pauls, 1994.
Flynn T. and M., The Thunder of Justice. Maxkol Communications Inc., 1993.
Hurault, B. Christian Community Bible Claretian Publications, 2004.
Kizhakkeyil. S. , Apocalypse. St. Pauls Mumbai, India, 2007.
Marian Movement of Priests, To the Priests Our Ladys Beloved Sons.
Novimento Sacerdotale Mariano, Milan, Italy, 2000.
Perkins, P. Reading the New Testament. , St. Pauls, 1994.
The R.S.V Handy Corcordance Zondervan Pub. House Inc 1962.
Ryden V. True Life in God Vols. 1 & 2, National Book Store, 2006.
The Two Witnesses Press The Final Apocalyptic Prophecies of the Two Witnesses.
Manila 1997.
Valtorta, M. Poem of the Man God bks. 1 to 5,
Trans. N. Picozzi and P. McLaughlin, Centro Editoriale Valtortiano, 1986.
Valtorta, M. The End Times as Revealed to Maria Valtorta. Trans. P.T.Y. Atworth,
Centro Editoriale Valtortiano S.R.L, 1994.

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Important Persons

Brother of James the Great, Apostle of Spain.

John of Zebedee is a pure soul - - - He was my first disciple ,who loved me

Probably from Bethsaida. A fisherman. Part of Peter and Andrews

A Pharisee. A wealthy land owner on the plains leading to Joppa. And

Nicodemus went with Joseph of Arimathea to the crucifixion.

Pharisee. Wealthy land owner. the fields being closer to the

After his Resurrection

to those gathered there. They rejoice at the miracle. Joseph leaves

A wealthy landowner.Not Married.

Lazarus of Theophilus, Magistrate of Syria,of the noble Theophilus, the

He supports Christ in his mission.

Lazarus helps to bury the churchs first martyr Stephen.

Lazarus becomes a priest. A legend states: - When a later persecution

After an arduous trip they land on a remote Southern part of France.

The Gospel of St.John.

John seems to have written the gospel to focus on the glorification of

Some characteristics of Johns Gospel.

Other Titles Jesus uses to designate Himself.

1. When Nathanael is taken by Philip to Jesus. (John 1:49)

3. A. Replacement of Old Testament feasts.

The BOOK of Glory.

The Gospel of St.John

This appears to be a hymn.

John the Baptist

Only the fourth evangelist portrays John as the privileged visionary of

The First Disciple

He ,the first one responsible for Peters coming to me - - He wants Andrew

The Call of Nathanael of Cana.

There is a widespread belief that Nathanael and Bartholomew are one

The Wedding at Cana. (Jn.2:1-11) (Gen 28:11-12)

Jesus calls Mary his Mother Woman.

He Sanctifies Marriage by his presence.

Abundance of Wine was a sign of Messianic days.Wine represents wisdom

The Jars were multipurpose.Their contents could be used for drinking or

John places this near the start of Christs Ministry.

This is the second Jewish Institution that Christ replaces.

He comes at night.He is unsure of this radical figure.He knowns there is

Jesus uses an example of the wind to explain the workings of the

Discourse with the Samaritan Women.

These temple vessels are reported to have been buried by Moses.

Pilate was sacked by Rome,disgusted at the death of Christ,because

Johns community at Ephesus also had Samaritan converts.

Philip was sent to evangelize Samaria. (Acts 8:4-25)

Second Sign at Cana (John 4:43-54)

Matthew,the centurion is asking for the healing of his servant.The same is

Scholars believe it is the feast of Pentecost.This was an ancient harvest

Jesus, the New Moses replaces the Sabbath ordinance.

1. John the Baptist.

John has only one miracle of the loaves and fishes.

His disciples embark for Capernaum .Jesus follows them,walking on the

As their ancestors murmured in the desert about the manna.(Numbers

It was a great test for the Apostles.Peter spoke up as the leader,

Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. (John 7:37)

He was thrown out just as Johns community at Ephesus was expelled

He freely gives up his life for his followers.He is completely in charge.

Joseph,Nicodemus ,John,Eleazer,the other John the scribe - - Gamaliel,with

Mary of Magdala,the sister of Martha and Lazarus,anoints Jesus for

Mary then repeats the loving gesture of an evening long ago.

Jesus fulfils the prophecy of Zechariah.

Jesus comes in such a fashion to show that he comes in peace.The people

He eventually stops near the fortress Antonia,dismounts and goes into