THANKSGIVING DAY (USA)

Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb. 

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(Revelation 18:1-2,21-23,19:1-3,9a), 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!”

Revelation 18:1-2,21-23,19:1-3,9a
Psalm 100:1-5b
Luke 21:20-28

WORD AMONG US