Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a
Chapter 18
Fall of Babylon
After this, I saw another angel descending from heaven. His authority was so great that the entire earth was illuminated with his glory.He shouted with a loud voice: “Fallen is Babylon the great! Fallen! She has become a den of demons, a refuge for every unclean spirit, a nest for any filthy and disgusting bird.
A mighty angel picked up a boulder, the size of a large millstone, and threw it into the sea, saying:
“With such violence will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down, never again to be seen.
Never again will the tunes of harpists, minstrels, trumpeters, and flutists be heard in you. Never again will an artisan of any trade be found in you. Never again will the noise of the mill be heard.
Never again will the light of a lamp shine in you. The voice of the bridegroom and the bride will never again be heard in you. Because your traders were the world’s great, and you led the nations astray by your magic spell.
Chapter 19
After this, I heard what sounded like the loud singing of a great assembly in heaven:
Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God,
for his judgments are true and just.
He has condemned the great harlot who corrupted the world with her adultery.
He has avenged his servants’ blood, shed by her hand, in harlotry.
Once more, they sang: Alleluia! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever!
Then, the angel told me, “Write: Blessed are those invited to the wedding of the Lamb.” And he went on, “These are true words of God.”
Commentaries
Fall of Babylon.
The author laments the fall of Rome with a tone similar to those in ancient Greek tragedies. The friends of Rome—kings, princes, merchants, pilots, navigators, and sailors—each take turns expressing their grief. In stark contrast, Christians are called to rejoice. But it is not the ruin of Babylon that should be celebrated (why gloat over others’ suffering?). Instead, what is being celebrated is the final restoration of divine justice. This city primarily symbolizes Rome, the empire’s capital. However, the symbol of the Apocalypse also applies to every idolatrous and self-sufficient city—a city that builds a closed system for the privileged few, characterized by unrestrained consumption, apathy toward the poor and oppressed, and a disregard for human life.
The Wedding of the Lamb.
From heaven, the rescued follow the fate of Christians. There is close communion between heaven and earth. The heavenly Church now celebrates its triumph over the great Babylon. A huge crowd praises God. A voice coming from the throne urges the recognition of God. The saints are invited, and, in alternating order, the small and the great. All humanity, without exception, is called to the universal praise of “our God.” The power of Christ’s love wins over the evil of this world. These words are so profound that John falls to his knees, overwhelmed and reverent. But it is not an angel, but God himself who is the guarantee of such joy and hope for Christians. He alone is to be worshiped. The message is brief but holds immense significance for the apostolic life of the Church. Jesus Christ continues to witness today (He is the only “faithful witness” 1:5) before the world through the presence of his Christian prophets, whom the Holy Spirit inspires and strengthens.