We are happy, gathered here, invited to participate in the “wedding banquet of the Lamb.”

 

We are happy, gathered here, invited to participate in the “wedding banquet of the Lamb.” Let us celebrate with the certainty that the oppressive empires of this world will come to an end and that the definitive victory belongs to the “Son of Man,” the Lord and judge of history, our peace and hope of liberation.

First Reading: Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9

A reading from the Book of Revelation by Saint John – I, John, 1saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great power, and the whole earth was illuminated with his glory. 2He cried out in a loud voice: “Fallen, fallen, Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for all evil spirits, a haunt for unclean and disgusting birds. 21At that time a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “With this force Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down and will be found no more. 22The singing of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again; no artist of any craft will ever be found in you again; the sound of the millstone will never be heard in you again; 23the light of a lamp will never shine in you again; the voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again, for your merchants were the great men of the earth, and you have bewitched all the nations with sorcery.” 19:1 After this I heard a loud roar, and a great multitude in heaven shouting, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2for his judgments are true and righteous. Yes, God has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her prostitution, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3And they said, “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever!” 9And an angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.” – The word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: 99(100)

Blessed are those invited / to the wedding supper of the Lamb!

1. Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; / serve the Lord with gladness, / come to him with singing! – R.

2. Know that the Lord, he alone, is God; / he made us, / we are his people, / we are his flock. – R.

3. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, / and his courts with praise; / give thanks to him, bless his name! – R.

4. Yes, the Lord our God is good, † his goodness endures forever, / his love is faithful forever! – R.

Gospel: Luke 21,20-28

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Lift up your heads and look, for your redemption is drawing near! (Lk 21,28) – R.

Proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke – At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: 20“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is near. 21Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains; those who are in the city must stay away; those who are in the country must not enter the city, so that everything that is written in the Scriptures may be fulfilled. 23Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days, for there will be great disaster on the land and wrath against this people. 24They will be killed by the sword and taken captive to all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the unbelievers until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On earth the nations will be in anguish, terrified by the roar of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint with fear at the thought of what is going to happen to the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and glory. 28When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.” – Word of salvation.

Reflection:

The first part announces the destruction of Jerusalem, between the years 66 and 70 of our era. The city was “surrounded by armies,” and the survivors were “taken captive to all nations.” History records that many Jews were indeed sold into slavery. After the fall of Jerusalem, history continues. It is the time of preaching to all nations (cf. Lk 24:47). It is a new phase, in which everyone is invited to form the people of God. The second part refers to the Final Judgment, which Jesus will carry out through his death and resurrection and through the witness of Christians in the world. All powers based on injustice will be shaken, because Jesus Christ and Christians will bring forth the truth and revolutionize society through the practice of justice.