The last two weeks of readings bring us face to face with the Book of Revelation. Since we celebrate All Saints and All Souls in November, the use of the Book of Revelation and the other readings which complement each other should not be a surprise.  The Book of Revelation is perhaps one of the most misunderstood and debated books in scripture. In the first reading we see many references to the destruction of Babylon and it is embodied with a general apocryphal tone.

In the Gospel reading Jesus is using a style that emphasizes the apocryphal for effect. As part of this Christ warns us of behaviors, which are mentioned right before this passage, which can lead to a bad outcome. If we stand steadfast in our faithfulness to Christ and his teaching we will be rewarded in another way that is seen clearly in today’s Psalm reading.  “Blessed are we who have been called to the supper of the lamb.” So my hope is that I have and will continue to serve the Lord.  We can then rejoice in knowing “we are his people” and “we can enter His gate with thanksgiving.” So the readings are nothing to lament but to rejoice in knowing “we are called to the feast.”

"We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way."

— St. Francis of Assisi