Nov 26 2020 Reflection

Thursday 26 November 2020

First Reading: RV 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9A
Responsorial Psalm:
Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
PS 100:1B-2, 3, 4, 5
Gospel Reading: LK 21:20-28

Today’s Note: Thursday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading:

Jesus said to his disciples:
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,
know that its desolation is at hand.
Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Let those within the city escape from it,
and let those in the countryside not enter the city,
for these days are the time of punishment
when all the Scriptures are fulfilled.
Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,
for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth
and a wrathful judgment upon this people.
They will fall by the edge of the sword
and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles;
and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles
until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.”

Reflection:

Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb. (Revelation 19:9)

Weddings are wonderful events, but in some ways, it’s even more beautiful to witness a couple renewing their wedding vows after twenty-five or fifty years of marriage. They’ve been through many ups and downs together over the years, but they are still ready to say yes to each other once again—and it means even more.

In a way, we are like that couple every time we celebrate Mass. Jesus is the Bridegroom, and we are his Church, his bride. He already pledged his faithfulness to us on the cross, and he renews his pledge at every Mass when he offers us his Body and Blood. That’s when we have the opportunity to renew our side of the covenant as well. As we receive him, we can offer ourselves to him and declare our faithfulness and love. 

This beautiful and holy exchange is also a foretaste of heaven. The Church teaches that the liturgy “anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb in the heavenly Jerusalem” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1329). And in today’s passage, the angel tells us, “Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). We are the blessed ones whom God is calling! This means that, as glorious as it is, our experience of Mass is just a foretaste of the great wedding feast that we will celebrate in heaven. It means that we will one day be with all of God’s people, as well as all his angels, and we will sing, “Holy, holy, holy!” (Revelation 4:8).

What an incredible gift we have been given, that the God who created the world declares his love to us in such a powerful way! So don’t let Mass become routine for you. Don’t forget what is actually happening at the liturgy. Instead, think of that married couple who are still deeply in love after many years together. As they would to one another, renew your vows to God. Then as you receive Jesus’ Body and Blood, let him show you just how deeply you are loved by your Lord.

“Jesus, thank you for inviting me to the wedding feast!”