Today our last reading for this liturgical year from the Book of Revelation proclaims the destruction of evil symbolized by Babylon. Victory has come.
The last words of the reading are also the scriptural basis for the last prayer of the priest before the distribution of communion:..blessed are those who are called to the supper of the lamb.
The present biblical translation "Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb."
It is the great turning point in the Book of Revelation, from destruction to marriage feast, and the ultimate victory of God.
As mass we respond with words based the profession of faith uttered by the centurion in Matthew's gospel:
Lord, I am not worthy that you come under my roof, but only say the word and my soul will be healed.
I have been to many a wedding reception and celebrated many a mass. How does the joy you feel at those two events compare? When did we decide the reverent and joyful cannot co-exist?
Our early Christian ancestors new how to express both. The words of our prayers express both. How we express both in our lives and our worship of God?
