COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

They will look upon his face. 

We have just spent the past week reading descriptions in Luke’s Gospel of what people call “the end times.” Wars, persecution, natural disasters—it’s a fearful prospect. But today’s reading from the Book of Revelation puts it all into context. Yes, we will all face those “last things,” whether it’s the day of the Lord at the end of time or our own personal day of the Lord at the end of our lives. But John reveals what we hope for when all is said and done: heaven.

John’s vision in Revelation 21 and 22 describes the heavenly Jerusalem, where God dwells with mankind. It’s where we all want to be one day, that place where every tear is wiped away and all things are made new (21:4-5). It’s where life-giving water flows, bringing everlasting fruitfulness (22:1-2). Best of all, it’s where we will look upon the face of God and worship him (22:3-4)!

This is not just a hopeful promise for the end of time. Tomorrow, with the start of Advent, we celebrate the coming of Jesus, who brought heaven to earth. In his coming as a man, we really do see the face of God.

So how can we wrap up this liturgical year and prepare for Advent? By taking every opportunity to “look upon his face” each day (Revelation 22:4). Yes, we can see Jesus in our prayer time, at Mass, or in Eucharistic Adoration. But we can also see his face in the poor and needy. Or in our loved ones. Even in our enemies. In any of those ways, we can meet Jesus and let him lift up our hearts—as long as we’re not too wrapped up in our own concerns to look. Even if it’s just for a moment, we can glimpse God’s perspective on our lives and feel our hope rekindled.

So let John’s vision help you. Take some time in prayer to reread Revelation 21 and 22 today. Let it encourage you to persevere. Let it fan into flame your hope for heaven. But let it also inspire your longing for Jesus, whose birth on Christmas Day gives you a glimpse of the face of God.

“Jesus, I long to see your face!”

Revelation 22:1-7
Psalm 95:1-7
Luke 21:34-36