ACC ~ Revelation 1 v12b

THE LIGHT OF THE CHURCH RESTS ON CHRIST. APRINGIUS OF BEJA: Resting on three arms, a lampstand raises the body of a single shaft, and upon this shaft there is placed a lamp of light. “For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ,”says the apostle, “from which the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love, according to the work and ability of each member.” This is that branch of which it is said: “There shall come forth a branch from the stump of Jesse.” Upon this branch a light is placed, that is, the light of the catholic church is made ready, so that seized by the truth of his light, she might herself bring forth perpetual light, and marked by the manifestation of one faith, she might be exalted by the light of the divine majesty. TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 1.12.

THE CHURCHES ARE LAMPSTANDS, NOT LIGHTS. OECUMENIUS: As he himself will explain a little later, the seven lampstands are the seven churches to which he is commanded to write. He calls them “lampstands” since they carry in themselves the “illumination of the glory of Christ.”He did not call them “lamps” but “lampstands,” for a lampstand itself does not possess the capacity to shine, but it bears that which is capable of illumination. Likewise, Christ mentally illuminates his churches. For just as the holy apostle exhorts those who have received the Faith, “be as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life”—for indeed the lamp does not in itself possess light, but it is receptive of that light which comes to it—so also here the Evangelist saw the churches as lampstands and not as lights. For it is said concerning Christ, “You shine forth marvelously from the everlasting mountains,” probably meaning the angelic powers; and again he says to the Father, “Send out your light and your truth”; and again, “the light of your countenance, O Lord.”And so, those who partake of the divine light are described on the one hand as lights and on the other hand as lampstands. He says that the lampstands are “golden” on account of the value and excellence of those made worthy to receive the divine light. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 1.12-16.

Rev