Scripture:
Revelation 18:1- 2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9
Luke 21:20-28
Reflection:
“… another angel coming from heaven, having great authority, and
the earth became illumined by his splendor” ~Rev 18:2
During the course of the week the readings have become more intense with the apocalyptic messages in both readings for today. We are just two days away from the beginning of Advent. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone. People are already thinking of Christmas and the Church reminds us of the time when the total transformation of the earth into the fullness of the Kingdom of God is coming.
As I read and reflected on the readings for today I sensed energy and movement of a force that is greater than what any human could create. A force that is a creative force that brings about something new, something full of light, such as the angel that is so full of “splendor” that the being from heaven “illuminates” the earth from its very presence. Human ways are removed and replaced by the “authority”, “might”, and “greatness” of Heaven/The Lamb. That when all has changed the wedding feast of the Lamb may begin. The coming together of the Church, the People of God with Jesus Christ. Both readings emphasis is on the glory that comes with the coming of the Kingdom of God, the wedding feast of the Lamb. That it is about light and glory, salvation and redemption. Yes, other things will pass away or lose their value because they are not of the Kingdom of God and the coming of this Kingdom is about transformation not destruction.
The challenge for us is how are we preparing for the wedding feast of the Lamb? We have had a year to transform and as the end of the liturgical year draws to a close and a new one is about to begin we take time to clean out our inner temple to prepare for the great wedding feast. May the new liturgical year bring many blessings and graces to you and your family.
Linda Schork is a theology teacher at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky.