During the final days of the liturgical year, our readings
are taken from the Book of Revelation, which is surely the strangest and
hardest to interpret of all the books of the Bible. Its style is neither the simple, sober
eyewitness descriptions of Jesus’ miracles and accounts of his teaching, like
the story of the Widow in the Gospel this morning, nor the straightforward
principles and advice we find in the Epistles.
Rather, Revelation is a highly poetical, even mystical book
filled with strange and symbolic numbers and characters. The word Revelation literally means,
unveiling, and in this final book of the Bible, heaven is unveiled.
In the reading today we get a glimpse at this group of
144,000, with the name of the Lamb and His Father on their foreheads, and they
are singing. They are the ones “who
follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” They are saints! Their very souls have been
marked by their willingness in life to become completely obedient to the will
of God.
What does this mystical vision have to do with the poor
widow in the Gospel and the end of the liturgical year? I think, that as the Church year comes to a
close, we are given these two readings to remind us to have simple faith.
Who are the ones in heaven who surround the lamb? Simply the ones that “follow Him wherever he
goes”. Why does Jesus extol the virtue
of the widow? Because she simply gives
God everything. Her whole livelihood was
given over to God.
Why is this simple message such a hard teaching? Likely
because of the size of our egos and our attachment to sin. So often we fail to
follow the Lamb as we should because our idea of how our life should go differs
from God’s idea. We fail to follow the Lamb in times of temptation because we
have not severed our attachments to sin, and conditioned our wills to turn away
from sin completely.
But the 144,000 remind us that when we give everything, like
the widow, and follow the Lord everywhere in his way of complete charity and
generosity toward God’s will, and then you will come to that place in heaven
where the new song is sung with joy.
Our modern minds say it can’t be that easy? Give the Lord everything? Obey the Church and all Her teachings? Turn away from all sin? Allow the virtue of
charity to direct every action, every decision, every attitude? Our hearts know
it to be true: be "pure and follow
the Lamb wherever He goes.” for his glory and the salvation of souls.
- - - - - -
For Pope Francis, Bishop Perez, and all ordained ministers,
that their ministry may be effective in leading the Church in Christian faith,
hope, and charity.
That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in
him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.
That our young people may take seriously the missionary call
of Christ, that they will turn away from the evils of our culture to spread the
good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.
For all whose lives are marked by suffering, may they come
to know the healing and peace of Christ.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and
parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased clergy and religious,
and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject
to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the
prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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