Daily Reflection—Blessed Are They
by Deacon Michael Bickerstaff | December 5, 2018 12:03 am
“Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” (detail) by van Eyck
A Daily Reflection on the Scripture Readings at Mass[1]…
“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well refined. And he will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 25:6-8)
The Prophet Isaiah anticipates the Salvation that will be brought by the Lord for all who believe. This salvation will not be limited to the people of Israel, but it is within the context of Israel that this passage is filled with meaning.
It is on the mountain that one encounters the Lord. In this life, there are many moments when we go up the mountain, only to eventually return to the valley. Isaiah speaks of a time when death will be vanquished, sin will be driven away. It is a time of unimaginable joy and celebration—there will be no more sorrow, no more pain, no more tears.
This is what the Lord God desires for each of us. We are living in the final age now. Either at our own death, or at the end of time, we will be welcomed, pray God, to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which is the culmination of Salvation History.
We anticipate our final arrival at this feast during Holy Mass. What could be more important than following the Lord? “Blessed are they who are called to the Supper of the Lamb.”
I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world of woe
There is no sickness, no toil, nor danger
In that bright land to which I go… (Wayfaring Stranger)
Come, Lord Jesus. We praise Thy Holy Name!
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- Scripture Readings at Mass: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120518.cfm
Source URL: https://integratedcatholiclife.org/2018/12/deacon-bickerstaff-daily-reflection-blessed-are-they/