34th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 28th Nov. 2024 –Rev 18,1-2.21-23; 19,1-3.9; Lk 21,20-28
Banquet for the Faithful Bride
Today’s first reading ends with the fourth of the seven beatitudes (Rev 1,3; 14,13; 16,15; 19,9; 20,6; 22,7; 22,14) scattered throughout the book: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” In his vision of Revelation, John presents that the voices cry out joyfully that the Lord reigns and the marriage supper of the Lamb is ready. He shows how Christ fulfills God’s Old Testament promises through the Church (Jn 3,29; Mt 8,11). Jesus spoke about marriage suppers in Mt 22,1-14 and Mt 25,1-13. In the Church, the spotless bride, God’s plan from the dawn of time is accomplished and Christ’s victory is realized. His victory over the devil is finally complete. And all of this converges in the event called the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jerusalem’s persecution of the Church has prepared her as a bride for Christ, the Lamb of God. The Church is wedded to Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb, which is the Eucharist, where she enters into communion with the flesh of her bridegroom and Lord. The message of Revelation culminates with the hope that the evil never has the last word. Truth, goodness and justice will lead to the completion of the Lord’s banquet promises.
