Justin Appel

Dear Friends,

Today’s New Testament reading comes from the ecstatic vision of Revelation 21—that glorious panorama of the new creation with a focal point on the new city of Jerusalem. Read the passage here. What is this text all about?

Much is communicated to us here by means of symbolic language. We would do well in this context to remember that symbolism does not simply mediate a reality by other, less solid means. The symbolic communicates the very depths of the real to us.

The sacramental reality of the Eucharist, for instance, communicate God’s presence to us in in the context bread and wine; however, we do not simply treat the elements as symbols, but rather we recognize Christ’s real presence in the elements within the context of prayer and the activity of the Holy Spirit.

John describes the city as a “bride adorned for her husband.” This wonderful image bears a glorious weight of significance for us. Many things could be said about this picture, but I’ll just mention one aspect.

The Church traditionally believes that marriage is not simply a means of procreation, but rather a path to salvation. Two people become sacramentally united in marriage and progress on the path to their salvation together. This understanding bears on the meaning of John’s vision.

That we, the Church, should be depicted as a bride, suggests a rich reality. We are united to Christ in baptism, and as Christ was vindicated by rising from the dead, so we too experience our resurrection to eternal life through him. That we should be called a “bride” signals a connection of intimacy, to be sure, but also a surprising participation in the divine nature of God. We find our salvation by becoming united to Christ.

Yours in Christ,

—Justin