A better banquet

Thanksgiving Day in the United States is often a day of gluttony and tense relationships (sometimes to a murderous degree – such as the woman in Florida who allegedly chased her brother’s guest with a machete).

The day after Thanksgiving in the United States is a day when many people focus on material things (sometimes to a murderous degree – such as the crowd in New York who allegedly trampled to death a Wal-Mart employee when the store opened).

On this very next day, the readings at Mass present us with a warning and a promise.

In the Gospel (Luke 21:34-36), our Lord warns us about having an earthly focus: from excessive partying to excessive worries.

Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life...

In the first reading (Revelation 22:1-7), we are presented with a promise of a better banquet, a better reality, being prepared in heaven for God’s faithful ones.

An angel showed me
the river of life-giving water,
sparkling like crystal,
flowing from the throne of God
and of the Lamb down the middle of the street.

On either side of the river grew the tree of life
that produces fruit twelve times a year,
once each month;
the leaves of the trees
serve as medicine for the nations.

Nothing accursed will be found anymore.

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it,
and his servants will worship him.

They will look upon his face,
and his name will be on their foreheads.

Night will be no more,
nor will they need light from lamp or sun,
for the Lord God shall give them light,
and they shall reign forever and ever.

And he said to me,
“These words are trustworthy and true,
and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits,
sent his angel to show his servants
what must happen soon.”

“Behold, I am coming soon.”

Blessed is the one
who keeps the prophetic message of this book.