Today's first reading Nov. 19

[on_the_hill]

First reading is Rv 11:4-12. It switches from present tense, to future tense, to past tense. What gives?

 

[pianistclare]

What exactly troubles you about the reading?

It’s Revelation. Not meant to be read literally.

 

[on_the_hill]

Just confusing. The Church is so particular and exact in the words it uses, I’m wondering what the reasoning is behind changing tenses.

 

[pianistclare]

It;s written much like a tone poem…very figurative language, lots of allegory, etc.
Here’s a helpful overview:

usccb.org/bible/revelation/0

 

[Richard_White]

I believe that Revelation is intended to be relevant for us as Christians and our struggles with “the world” for all times past, present, and future. Thus, I would have to say that the use of all three verb tenses is not unusual.

May God bless you all!