O pragnieniu życia wiecznego w świetle Ap 7,13-17
On the Desire for Eternal Life in the Light of Rev 7:13-17

Summary/Abstract: The author of the article raises the question of the meaning of thirst in Rev 7:16 within the context of the pericope 7:13–17. The analysis is literary in character, focusing on the meaning of individual words, expressions, formulas, and images, while taking into account biblical and extra-biblical parallels within the broader contexts of the pericope itself (7:13–17), the entire Book of Revelation (where the terminology and context of 7:16 are closely related to 21:6 and 22:17), and the whole of Scripture. The author further assumes that the interpretive subject of the Apocalypse’s message is the liturgical assembly gathered for the Eucharist. The listening community, understood as a fellowship of redeemed sinners, receives in 7:13–17 an answer to three fundamental questions: (1) Who are the saved (7:13–14)? (2) What does it mean to be saved (7:15.17a)? (3) What are the fruits of salvation (7:16.17b)? On the basis of this analysis, the author concludes that 7:16 does not speak of physical thirst but of the thirst for salvation—for eternal life (“the springs of the water of life”)—which later theology designates as the virtue of hope. The ways that lead to salvation, that is, to eternal life, consist in openness to the power and vitality that flow from the paschal mystery of Jesus and are realized in the sacramental life (baptism, Eucharist, cooperation with divine grace). This enables believers to endure all adversities and hardships arising from an environment hostile to Christians (“the great tribulation”). The entire narrative strategy of 7:13–17, not only of 7:16, in light of the question about salvation in 6:17, is directed toward awakening within the listening community the desire for eternal life.

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