“...woman of St. John is Israel ...”
The woman in Revelation is Mary, now in Heaven. The early Christians ALL knew and understood this. The bible is richly layered with meaning - which you would know since anyone who reads it knows this - and it can also mean Israel too, because Israel “birthed” Jesus as did Mary as well.
The literal meaning (Mary is the woman) is primary, however, as John saw an actual woman, not a metaphorical nation.
The book of Revelation is the catholic mass liturgy taking place in heaven (it is the same as the mass). All of the early Christians understood this as well, since they ALL participated in the liturgy (eucharist) - that was the way to worship - there was no other “service”.
Protestants do not understand Revelation because they are blind to what is being revealed - the heavenly mass taking place in the New Jerusalem. Unless they convert, they never will even if they read it a thousand times. The Protestant attempts to explain Revelation in a geopolitical sense (modern cities, rulers, etc.) fail because they do not understand what is being revealed - the liturgy in heaven.
Of Course! the woman is Mary and The Lamb (Jesus as victim, the sacrificial lamb who has replaced the Temple animals is highly figured) is Jesus as former victim who has now triumphed.
Modern Protestants try to explain Revelation as geopolitical, etc., but they do not get it and never will.
A man will never understand a woman because he ISN’T one, and visa versa. So please stop attempting to explain Catholicism as a non Catholic because you ARE NOT one and there are massive blind spots in your thinking; it comes across as mean spirited and unChristian - maybe you do not realize this?
Also - protestants will never understand scripture until they attend a mass and understand the order of the liturgy - the mass (tradition of breaking the bread as instructed in John) predated scripture and continues.
Revelation 12:1 And a great sign was seen in the heaven,
Catholics think that John would not have recognized Mary? The importance of Mary and the "queen of heaven" concept to the Catholic faith and they have to rely on one verse where John, the person Mary was living with, and he doesn't even take the opportunity to identify her? Really? It was a sign and we can go back to the Old Testament to begin to understand who that sign is referring to.
Isaiah 54:6 For the LORD has called you, Like a wife (woman) forsaken and grieved in spirit, Even like a wife (woman) of one's youth when she is rejected," Says your God. 7 For a brief moment I forsook you, But with great compassion I will gather you. 8 In an outburst of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, But with everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you," Says the LORD your Redeemer.…
The Hebrew word used that has been translated "wife" in that verse is translated woman, wife, or female. The Greek word in Revelation translated "woman" means woman or wife. The "woman" in Revelation is the same "woman" as in Isaiah 54.
>>The book of Revelation is the catholic mass liturgy taking place in heaven<<
No, the book of Revelation is the description of the last seven years of the prophecy of Daniel and the end of this age.
>>Modern Protestants try to explain Revelation as geopolitical, etc., but they do not get it and never will.<<
Catholics will never understand Revelation because they have been taught that the "church" has superseded the nation of Israel which is a total corruption of scripture.
>>So please stop attempting to explain Catholicism as a non Catholic because you ARE NOT one and there are massive blind spots in your thinking;<<
I don't try to explain Catholicism but only point out their own published and stated beliefs that are contrary to scripture.
>>it comes across as mean spirited and unChristian - maybe you do not realize this?<<
If Catholics find posting scripture pointing out their errors is mean spirited so be it. I will continue to contend for the truth of scripture.
Catholicism consists of mostly pagan rituals and beliefs.