#wedding banquet of the lamb

[graceandpeacejoanne]

Revelation 19: Enslaved to God

Imagine the cascade of emotions John must have been experiencing in this gripping vision of judgment, destruction, grief, shock, and heavenly command to rejoice. Immediately, the inhabitants of heaven responded with shouts of acclamation. #Revelation19

Imagine the cascade of emotions John must have been experiencing in this gripping vision of judgment, destruction, grief, shock, and the heavenly command to rejoice. Immediately, the inhabitants of heaven responded with shouts of acclamation. After these things I heard a sound like a great throng, multitudes of people in heaven, saying, “Alleluia, the salvation and the glory and the power of…

[thepratandtheidiot]

🍿 movie knights 2025 official list ⚔️

[town crier voice] HEAR YE, HEAR YE!

so the deal was originally 52 films, but y'all are great at suggestions and i have apparently missed A LOT of cinema over the years!! hence we're listing an even (and extremely optimistic) 100 titles under the cut, in no apparent order.

what: our noble quest, to watch at least one film every week

when: every friday, i'll post the upcoming week's film(s) and a ✨ lazy review ✨ of the previous week! will also update this post with links once watched

who: me (lars), sometimes theo, anyone else who wants to yap about movies or schedule a watch-along!

and so, without further ado...

in 2025, we're watching:

In Bruges (2008) Wuthering Heights (2011) Gladiator (2000) * The Great Muppet Caper (1981) Silence of the Lambs (1991) The Godfather (1972) Brokeback Mountain (2005) Parasite (2019) Citizen Kane (1941) Reservoir Dogs (1992) There Will Be Blood (2007) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) The Dictator (1940) Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) Blazing Saddles (1974) Trainspotting (1996) The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) * Beetlejuice (1988) * Pulp Fiction (1994) Django Unchained (2012) American Psycho (2000) Blackklansman (2018) The Italian Job (1969) ✅ Far From the Madding Crowd (2015) Train to Busan (2016) Challengers (2024) The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920) The Passenger (2023) The Pelican Brief (1993) * Fire Island (2022) * Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) * A Man For All Seasons (1966) * That Funny Feeling (1965) * Cloud Atlas (2012) * Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017) * Impetigore (2019) * Rope (1948) * Ladyhawke (1985) The Big Sleep (1946) Bringing Up Baby (1938) The Outrun (2024) Moonlight (2016) The Dark Crystal (1982) * My Own Private Idaho (1991) Annihilation (2018) * Pride (2014) Ready or Not (2019) Smilla’s Sense of Snow (1997) * Pather Panchali (1955) Emma (2018) Mona Lisa Smile (2003) * I Saw the TV Glow (2024) The Thin Man (1934) The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) Velvet Goldmine (1998) * Labyrinth (1986) * Victor/Victoria (1982) * Conclave (2024) Ravenous (1999) The Thing (1982) Planet of the Apes (1968) Topper (1937) Psycho (1960) The Lion in Winter (1968) Some Like It Hot (1959) Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) Monkey Man (2024) The Lighthouse (2019) * Nosferatu (2024) * ✅ Prey (2022) Seven Samurai (1954) * ✅ Death on the Nile (1978) ✅ The Shining (1980) Maurice (1987) Space Sweepers (2021) Wings (1927) Flesh and the Devil (1926) Sherlock Jr. (1924) Goodfellas (1990) And Then We Danced (2019) Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) * Interstellar (2014) * 3:10 to Yuma (2007) Rebecca (1940) I’m No Angel (1933) The Court Jester (1955) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990) Bill (2015) Kes (1969) My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) * The Wedding Banquet (1993) At the Circus (1939) The Old Dark House (1932) The Others (2001) Lisa Frankenstein (2024) The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) * The Martian (2015) * Amsterdam (2022) * God's Own Country (2017)

[ariel-seagull-wings]

HANK AND CARLY WEDDING QUESTIONS

@exoticb-utters @thealmightyemprex @water-god19 @a-roguish-gambit @justanotherconfusedman @knivxsanddespair

Imagine what music they would have? What food? Would it be outside? What kind of theme, if any, would they have?

Carly is a romantic storyteller, and when you pair her love for folklore, fairy tales  and fantasy literature and movies with Hank’s love for the works of William Shakespeare, a Medieval-Renaissance Inspired Fairytale Wedding makes more than sense for the two.

The ceremony and reception are held in an old vineyard/winery/cidery located in the village of Jeffersonville, Sullivan County.

A gazebo outside provides the altar, while the interior of the winery serves as the main place for the reception.

The music would be provided by playing recording albums of Medieval and Renaissance music ensembles.

The food would be a banquet planned by Gambit, inspired by medieval and renaissance cuisine: Mixed Pickles, Cruste Rolle, Cabbage Chowder and ‘Departed’ Creamed Fish as Starter Snacks; Root Vegetable Soup, Spit Roasted Steak, Mushroom Pasties, Lamb Stew, Roasted Quail and Roasted Pork Shoulder and Shanks as Main Courses; Cherry Pottage, Rose Pudding, Cream Custard Tart and Walnut with Honey Ice Cream for Desserts, all accompanied by Mulled Wine and Cider.  

Who would they invite?

Hank’s parents, Carly’s father, their mutual friend Alec Bohlson, Carly’s closest friends from her time as a patient from the Hospital for the Blind and her theater and puppetry work, and Hank’s friends he met in his adventures with the X-Men.

What season is it? Day or night? What colors do they wear?

During springtime,  in the month of May, with the ceremony starting by day and the reception going till night time before the newlywed couple travels for their honeymoon on the next day. Blue and green are the predominant colors for decoration and party clothes, but there are elements of rainbow sprinkled throughout, specially in the flower arrangements. 

Is it traditional or do they do something wild?

The ceremony is traditional, while the reception includes outside picnic games as less traditional forms of entertainment: a Three Legs Race, a Potato Sack Race, a Tug of War, Horseshoes and a Treasure Hunt.

Did they write their own vows? Who is the person marrying them?

They choose to exchange the traditional catholic wedding vows, and they are wed by the German monk Brother Johann, a friend of Kurt Wagner.

Are they wearing suits? Dresses? Something else entirely?

Carly's Ceremony Dress

Carly's Reception Dress

Hank and his Groomsmen

Bridesmaid's Dresses

Morph's Dress

What does their cake look like if they have one?

The wedding cake would be Naked Gingerbread Cake with Mascarpone Cream Cheese Frosting. 

Does she throw the bouquet for someone to catch or does she pass out one flower to everyone to let everyone know they are worthy of love?

Carly passes one myrtle branch to every guest to show everyone is worthy of love.

Do they have a party afterwards? What music?

Yes, they have a party that starts with a collective Maypole Dance.

Is it the wedding of their dreams or does something go awry?

Their friends from the X-Men take safety precautions so that no supervillain or anti-mutant bigots come causing trouble during the wedding.

Also! How is the kiss!? Do they smooch softly? Sweetly? Passionately? Does he dip her into a deep smooch? Is it a soft sweet peck?

Their friend Alec Bohlson holds a greenery garland between Carly and Hank's faces, and the newlyweds kiss through it.

What is their honeymoon like? Is it a stay at home one? Do they go somewhere exciting? How long is the trip? Or stay at a hotel? Or maybe a cute little cottage somewhere?

They take two months off to travel from Paris to Istanbul via the Orient Express, and from Istanbul they take a ship and sail to the Greek island of Hydra.

Does she take his last name or hers? Do they keep or hyphenate their names? Or maybe they both take on a whole new last name together!

Carly takes Hank’s surname, becoming Carly Anne McCoy.

How many kids do they have? What are their names?

They have twins: Leonard DeForest and Beatrice Constance.

Where do they live?

They live in a two story cottage house located in Bayville, Nassau County.

[annagehtdichnenkeksan]

𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝑯𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒚

part 6 (sorry, English is not my main Language)

Her sad eyes try to holding back the tears, while Rhaena styled her hair with skillful hands and Baela sits in the corner of Visenya's royal chamber and growls. Visenya want her hair open as always, but Rhaena holds against it. 'That's not appropriate for a Queen' there are so much things of her daily life, that are not appropriate anymore. She don't feel comfortable in her long, floating wedding dress. It's just too much. Unfortunately she will wear plenty of those dresses as Queen. Rhaena puts down the hairbrush and holds Visenya's shoulders with her hands. With deep breaths through her mouth, the bride tries to calming her fluttering heart, but without result. Balea now comes up to her two sisters and puts her hand on Visenya's back to support her. "Visenya-" Rhaena begins and now has to hold back the tears herself "I don't know if it will soothe your mind, but your mother, father, your siblings, we all fight for the throne, for your mother. And now, years after the war, you will win for your mother. You will be Queen, your Child will sit on the iron throne one day. Rhaenyra's lineage will go on. Think about it" Visenya squeeze the hand of her sister. 'She is right. I will do it for my mother' Baela also seems to have gained new euphoria from this speech "Yeah! Don't feel like a lamb being dragged to the slaughter, feel like a conqueror when you walk down the aisle. This dumb one-eyed cunt really seems to be smitten by you. Be a damn woman and make him kneel in front of you. You know what I mean" with a wink, she pats her younger sisters back. "Oh Baela" Rhaena looks at her sister, wrinkling her nose.

With a mischievous grin, Visenya sits next to her new husband at the wedding banquet. Baela cheers to her, well aware that her charming smile when she walked down the aisle before, was nothing but a farce. Visenya sips her mug of wine to prepare herself for her wedding night, when Aemond next to her leans down to her ear. "Aren't you tired my dear wife?" of course Visenya knew about his true intentions behind this question. He wants to bed her. Alright Visenya, show him who your parents were. She blinks her eyelashes flirtatiously "It would be very rude if we went to our rooms now" she gave him a hot, breathed kiss on his jawline to tease him. And it seems that he finds pleasure in it.

When Visenya hears the words 'Bedding ceremony' she clings to the chair like a drowning woman, as if she would have a chance against hundreds of men. They lifted her up and carried though the corridors of the red keep. The young woman try to find hold and look out for Aemond, but the crowd was too much. They dumped her on a big bed, like a sack of potatoes. This embarrassment almost made her cry, but she thinks of Baela and Rhaena and her eyes stay dry. Thanks to the gods, Aemond commands the crowd to leave the room. Baela and Rhaena give her a last encouraging smile, before they join the others. Now it was only Visenya and Aemond. Queen and King. Wife and Husband. Baela's words came into her mind 'make him kneel'

@blackswxnn

[bingejesus]

Spoiler Review of S4 Episode One

Ok so I gave a non spoiler review of episodes 1-3 buuuut it is now time for the spoilers I will be tagging these so no one who does not want to see them will. If somehow, you are reading this part, please please please be aware that from this sentence forward there are spoilers for season four episode 1 of The Chosen. Ok? Ok.

…

Episode One:

Ok so literally episode one John the Baptist is martyred. And it is breathtakingly beautiful. The dancer who played Salome was phenomenal, I don’t think she had a single line, her whole thing was practicing and performing the dance which I feel like really shows how this was all Herodias’ idea and she was really just a pawn. At the same time, we flashback to young Mother Mary visiting Elizabeth and Zechariah, which was funny and sweet and so heartwarming. It really is odd to see a woman clearly in her 70s or even 80s pregnant but knowing the story it just made me so happy. We also see Joanna going to tell the disciples and Jesus about John. It’s all intercut between Zechariah’s prophecy about John as a baby, the party, Joanna, and the actual death of John. The scene of the execution is somehow beautiful even as we know something horrible is happening. As John is being led away, he quotes what Jesus had his disciples tell him, “The lame walk, the blind see, the dead are raised,” and he says, “The way of the Lord is prepared.” Which just sent shivers down my spine. We see the silver platter John’s head will be served on and the soldier says that usually it’s used for a wedding banquet to which John says, “I’ve never been to a wedding banquet, but I’m going to one.” Which again, I’m just sobbing at this point. Right as John is about to die, he looks out a window and sees a spotless lamb feeding outside, like a final sign that his mission is fulfilled. Obviously we don’t see a severed head, but the swing of the axe is just as impactful. We cut to Jesus by himself, as if already preparing for the news. When he is told, we see him mourn. Rip his clothes, and cover himself in dirt. It’s heartbreaking to say the least. Also, it is important to note that Ramah returns and everyone is gathering together. Then, we see Joanna arrive and tell Andrew, and then everyone else. The last thing we see is Jesus approaching the group, torn clothes, dirt on his face, looking…disillusioned? It’s hard to describe it. Almost like he’s been too emotionally exhausted to have a readable expression.

Another thing to note, was that Zebeddee and sons have the olive oil ready and are giving it to the local synagogue for ritual purposes. Yousef says it is to benefit local enterprise, but Rabbi Akira is skeptical. Tamar goes with them but is not allowed in the synagogues being both a woman and a Gentile, obviously upsetting her. (Big James offers to stay with her instead of going in!!!!!!! The ship is real!!!!!)

Oh and I just remembered that Salome did have a line and it was just to say, “Anything?” When Herod says he’ll give her anything after the dance.

The interweaving of baby John and John’s execution was beautifully done. I was sobbing. The moment Zechariah can speak again, he begins prophesying and we hear it over John being led in by the soldiers. I like that John seemed nervous (as obviously anyone would be) but he wasn’t necessarily scared. It was that last moment of seeing the lamb that made him smile just as he died. Oh wow like I said I was crying.

It’s also incredibly hard to watch Jesus cry. I expected it to be, but obviously being a Christian and a follower of Jesus makes it so much harder. Especially after the love and laughter we’ve seen him experience as well. They do not shy away from humanity and that is such a welcomed thing.

Episode One was expected, but still managed to be utterly brilliant in writing and storytelling. We all knew John’s death was coming and it was made into a realistically sorrowful but beautiful reality. I cannot wait until I have it at my fingertips to watch again and again.

So that was episode one. Episode two coming soon!

[frmartinshomiliesandreflections]

28th November >> Fr. Martin's Reflections/Homilies on Today's Mass Readings for Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (Inc. Luke 21:20-28): ‘Your liberation is near at hand’.

Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Except USA) Luke 21:20-28 There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars.

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate. Then those in Judaea must escape to the mountains, those inside the city must leave it, and those in country districts must not take refuge in it. For this is the time of vengeance when all that scripture says must be fulfilled. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come! ‘For great misery will descend on the land and wrath on this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over. ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’

Reflections (11)

(i) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Many of the responses we say or sing at Mass are drawn from the Scriptures, such as ‘Holy, Holy, Holy Lord…’ which comes from the prophet Isaiah. When the priest says just before distributing Holy Communion, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world’, it is drawn from the words of John the Baptist in the gospel of John as he points out Jesus to his disciples. When the priest goes on to say, ‘Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb’, it is drawn from today’s first reading from the Book of Revelation, ‘Happy are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb’. The writer there was referring to the great feast in the kingdom of heaven, when the risen Lord, the Lamb of God, would gather people of every race and language who were open to his invitation. When the priest speaks of the ‘supper of the Lamb’, he is referring to the Eucharist at which we are gathered. The table of the Lord, the altar, from which we are fed by the Bread of Life looks ahead to that final banquet of eternal life to which we are all called. This is the hope that our faith gives us. We never lose that hope even when a great darkness comes over our world, our cities, our lives. Jesus refers to such great darkness in today’s gospel reading, but he goes on to say that he will come into this darkness with great power and glory, and, therefore, we should always stand erect, with our heads held high, full of hope. The Lord is always present at the heart of any darkness in which we find ourselves, and he is always at work to bring us to our final destiny, the banquet of eternal life.

And/Or

(ii) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

This morning’s gospel has a very dark tone to it. Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem and the terrible consequences for all who are living there. He goes on to speak of great disturbances in the cosmos that will bring fear to people everywhere. Yet, just when all is at its darkest, Jesus declares that the Son of Man will appear in all his power and glory bringing redemption, liberation, to all who welcome his coming. There are times in our lives when our own world can appear to be falling apart. Disturbing events happen over which we have little or no control; we can be left shaken and frightened. This morning’s gospel reading is reminding us that it is above all in such moments when we are most aware of our vulnerability and frailty that the Lord is closest to us. He stands by us in his risen power, giving us strength in our weakness. His presence has the power to liberate us from our fears and to give us the confidence to stand erect with our heads held high, in the words of the gospel reading. We can be tempted to let the darkness envelope us. We need to resist that temptation because the light of the Lord’s presence shines in the darkness and we are assured that the darkness will not overcome it.

And/Or

(iii) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

This morning’s gospel reading is full of the darker side of human experience. It makes reference to wars, to destruction, to great upheavals and to the fear they generate. Yet, the gospel reading also speaks about the coming of the Son of Man into the midst of all this darkness and it promises that those who are open to his coming will experience liberation. We all need to be liberated in one sense or another; we all need to be freed from whatever it is that is holding us back from doing what the Lord is calling us to do, from being the person the Lord is calling us to be. It is only the Lord who can free us to live as we are meant to live. Saint Paul speaks about the glorious freedom of the children of God that awaits us beyond this life. Yet, here and now, we can begin to taste the first fruits of that glorious freedom, to the extent that we open our lives to the coming of the Lord and to the coming of his Spirit. Saint Paul also says in another of his letters, ‘where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom’. We are only truly free when we are living in tune with the Spirit of the Lord, when the Holy Spirit is bearing rich fruit in our lives. As we come to the end of the church’s liturgical year and as we begin a new liturgical year, we pray, ‘Come Holy Spirit’.

And/Or

(iv) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel reading this morning paints a rather grim picture on this November morning. It speaks of the fall of the city of Jerusalem to her enemies, the destruction of its people and disturbing signs in nature. Yet, this grim time is also the moment when the Son of Man will appear in great power and glory. In the time of greatest darkness a light begins to shine. That was true of Golgotha also. This time of great darkness was also the time when the light of God’s love shone most brightly. The gospel reading assures us that there is a light at the heart of every darkness. In our own dark experiences the light of the Lord’s presence never ceases to shine. That is why, when the darkest times come our way, in the final words of the gospel reading, we can stand erect and hold our heads high. Next Sunday, in these dark days, we begin to light our Advent candle. We are being reminded that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome it.

And/Or

(v) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

In the beginning of the chapter of Luke’s gospel from which we are reading this week Jesus spoke about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. In this morning’s gospel reading he goes further and speaks about the destruction of the city of Jerusalem itself and of the land of Israel. ‘Great misery will descend on the land’, he declares, ‘and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans’. All of that happened forty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus when the Romans destroyed the city of Jerusalem with its Temple in response to the Jewish revolt against Rome which had begun four years earlier. Yet Jesus assures his disciples that this awful prospect is not the complete picture. He goes on to speak about the coming of the Son of Man with power and great glory bringing liberation to those who are in need of it. For that reason even in the midst of the chaos and loss the disciples can stand erect and hold their head high. Even though there may not be much ground for optimism, we are called to be hopeful because the Lord is coming, not just at the end of time but here and now in the midst of time. We can let our heads drop when so much seems uncertain and the future seems bleak, but the realization of the Lord’s constant coming into our lives, into our church, into our world, inspires us to stand erect and hold our head high in hope and expectation.

And/Or

(vi) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The gospel readings at this time of the year tend to be rather gloomy, at least on first hearing them. We are in the last days of the church’s liturgical year; the new liturgical year begins on Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent. As the church’s year end, we hear of cataclysmic endings in the gospel reading, the ending of Jerusalem, and, even, the ending of the cosmos as we know it. Yet, as well as talking about endings in our gospel reading, Jesus also speaks about comings. More especially, he speaks about his own coming as the glorious Son of Man, bringing liberation to those who await his coming. At the very moment when everything appears to be disappearing, a new reality begins to dawn. The final chapter will not be one of death and destruction but one of new beginning and a new liberation for all. This is but one expression of the basic message of the gospels, that the Lord works in life-giving ways in the midst of death and destruction. There may be great darkness in the world, the darkness of evil and suffering, but the Lord’s light shines within it and the darkness will not overcome the light. It is this conviction which keeps us hopeful even in the midst of pain, loss and death. That is why in the words of the gospel reading, we can always stand erect and hold our heads high, not in a spirit of arrogance but in a spirit of hopeful conviction that the Lord’s liberating coming is assured, no matter how dark and distressing the moment.

And/Or

(vii) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Today we have another of those rather dark gospel readings that are typical of the concluding days of the liturgical year. Jesus depicts the disturbing scenario of the destruction of the city of Jerusalem with traumatic consequences for its inhabitants. We can think of cities that are being destroyed today, cities in parts of the Middle East. We are very aware of the suffering of their inhabitants at this time. We can be tempted to ask, ‘Is there life beyond all this destruction?’ In the gospel reading, the answer of Jesus to this question is a resounding ‘yes’. He speaks of the coming of the Son of Man in the midst of so much destruction and upheaval. He will come with power and great glory announcing that liberation is at hand. Death and destruction does not have the last word in the Lord’s purpose. He enters into the heart of every darkness with great power, always with a view to our ultimate liberation from all that diminishes and damages us. He has come that we may have life and have it to the full. He sheds tears when we chose paths that bring destruction and death to those he loves. He is passionately committed to our present and ultimate well-being. He is constantly coming to bring this to pass, to bring to earth the kingdom of heaven. If this is to happen, he needs us all to welcome his coming into our own lives and to allow him to work through us in all his liberating power.

And/Or

(viii) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Both of today’s readings speak of the fall of great cities. Jesus prophecies the fall of Jerusalem to the Roman armies with the terrible suffering that will bring for its inhabitants, ‘Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans’. The first reading from the Book of the Apocalypse speaks of, indeed celebrates, the fall of Babylon, ‘Babylon the Great has fallen’. Babylon is code for Rome. At the beginning of the sixth century before Christ, the Babylonian Empire had destroyed the city and temple in Jerusalem, resulting in the Babylonian Exile for the Jewish people. By the time the Book of the Apocalypse had been written just towards the end of the first century A.D., Jerusalem and its Temple had been destroyed again twenty five years earlier by the empire of Rome, the new Babylon. The churches for whom this book was written had also experienced the destructive power of Rome. The reading speaks about God’s servants that Rome has killed. Is there any light in all this darkness, any hope in all this destruction? It is a question that could be asked in many a war-torn situation today. Both readings, however, end on a note of hope. In the gospel reading Jesus assures his disciples that all this destruction is the prelude to his coming as Son of Man with power and glory. His power and glory are not the power and glory associated with worldly empires like Babylon and Rome. Far from being destructive, the Lord’s power is life-giving and liberating from evil, ‘your liberation is near at hand’. Even in the darkest of situations, the Lord’s coming with the liberating power of his love is always assured. His coming will be experienced by those who, in the words of the gospel reading, stand erect, holding their heads high. This is not an arrogant posture. Rather, it is a posture of trust in the Lord whose light and love no darkness or hatred can overcome, and who holds out to his faithful ways an invitation to his great wedding feast, in the words of the first reading.

And/Or

(ix) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus paints a very distressing picture of the future in today’s gospel reading. He looks ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, resulting in its inhabitants being killed or taken into captivity. In those dark days for the holy city, nature itself will seem to share the anguish of the city and its inhabitants, with disconcerting signs in the sun and the moon and the stars. Jesus seems to be using a very dark pallet to paint this scene. Yet, a light emerges against the dark backdrop. Jesus declares that at that very moment when people are dying of fear, the Son of Man will come with great power and glory. His power is not a destructive power, like the power of Rome, but a liberating power, a power that frees people from all that threatens to destroy them, ‘stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand’. Jesus does not play down the dark, destructive forces that threaten God’s people, but he insists that these dark forces will not ultimately win out. There is a greater force at work among us, God’s force or power, present through his risen Son, the force of a love that liberates and makes whole. We are all called to be channels of that liberating force of God. We can allow ourselves to be paralyzed by the dark forces that stalk the land, or we can hold our heads high in confident hope, in the assurance that the Lord of all is in our midst and trusting, in the words of Saint Paul, that his power working among us can do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.

And/Or

(x) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s gospel reading, there is a clear reference to the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, which happened forty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jerusalem fell to the armies of Rome, under the general Titus, who went on to become Emperor of Rome. In the time of Jesus and the early church, the all-powerful Roman Empire must have been seen as eternal, as destined to last forever. Yet, in the first reading, written towards the end of the first century, the author declares, ‘Babylon the Great has fallen’, ‘Babylon’ being a code name for ‘Rome’. The author recognizes that even the great, invincible, Roman Empire would not last forever, and declares that it is God and his Son who will last forever, ‘Victory and glory and power to our God’. In the gospel reading, Jesus speaks of himself as the Son of Man who will come ‘with power and great glory’. Nothing lasts forever, not even the great and powerful empires of the world. Only God and his Son endure; they are the beginning and the end, yesterday, today and tomorrow. God’s relationship with us endures; Jesus’ love for us lasts forever and every day he says to us what is said at the end of today’s first reading, ‘Happy are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb’. The Lord calls us to his feast, in the future kingdom of heaven, but also in the here and now of the Eucharist. You will recognize that beatitude from the text of the Mass. The Lord’s call to us to be in communion with him is the constant in the midst of all that is changing. That awareness can inspire us to always ‘stand erect’, holding our heads high, in the words of the gospel reading.

And/Or

(xi) Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The language Jesus uses to speak of the coming destruction of the city of Jerusalem could apply to the destruction of many cities ever since. He speaks of the city surrounded by armies, a city laid desolate, people desperately trying to get out of the city, great misery descending upon the land and its people, a city trampled down as its inhabitants are killed or taken into captivity. It is a scene that has repeated itself in living memory, during both world wars and, more recently, in the Balkans, the Middle East and elsewhere Jesus takes no pleasure in describing such a scene; he had earlier wept over the city of Jerusalem, just as he must weep over every city and town that is brutalized by war. Having spoken of the suffering of the human city, Jesus goes on to speak of the suffering of creation - signs in the sun and moon and stars, the clamour of the ocean and its waves, the shaking of the powers of heaven – and the impact of creation’s suffering on humanity – people dying of fear as they await what menaces the world. We have all become much more attuned to the suffering of creation in recent times. Yet, against this dark human and cosmic backdrop, Jesus speaks of the coming of the Son of Man with power and great glory, before whom we are invited to stand erect, with heads held high, awaiting full and final liberation. Jesus is assuring us that destruction and loss will not have the last word. As risen Lord, he is always coming as light into darkness; his loving power is always at work to liberate all of humanity and the entire cosmos from its enslavement to destruction. Our calling is to keep aligning ourselves with the Lord’s glorious, liberating and life giving coming and presence, so that we become agents of his light and life in our often dark world.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

[hieromonkcharbel]

If we are not deeply disturbed and agitated by our gospel today, it can mean only one of two things: either we are all saints, having fully embraced the reality of the kingdom in our lives, or we are spiritually deluded, having silenced our consciences to such an extent that we are oblivious to the truth and indifferent to the coming judgment.

For this parable teaches us that while God is merciful and forgiving, he is also a God of justice and truth. He showers his grace upon us, but we are still responsible for how we respond to his actions. Our destiny is in our own hands. "God created us without our cooperation", St. Augustine says, "but he cannot save us unless we cooperate." And nowhere does this become more vivid than in the images of our parable.

First we are shown the nature of the gift we have been given and its value. It is described as a wedding feast. Now as Catholics we know and understand what this means. The book of Revelation calls it the Wedding feast of the Lamb. The Lamb is the Son who, by means of his perfect sacrifice brings about the marital union with the Church. It is the Eucharistic feast, celebrating the union of Christ the heavenly Bridegroom and his Bride the Church. It is God the Father, the king, who gives the supper: "My dinner is ready," he has his servants announce, "Come to the wedding."

The invitation, then, has been given. But this doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will respond or participate worthily. No; in fact, just the opposite. The invitation, we are told can be scorned in a number of ways. Some we are told respond with indifference. They care nothing for the grace that is offered to them and make light of it. They have better things to do - their earthly business is more pressing and more valued. "Do I really want to give up my precious time? I could be sleeping, working, studying, watching the football game."

Others reject the invitation altogether and hold it in contempt. They mock those who take it seriously. Theirs too is a familiar approach: "Religion is a crutch for the weak minded of our world." They take the invitation to be a personal offense - for it suggests a need and a poverty that don't believe they have.

And finally, there are those who accept the invitation, but who come to the feast unprepared morally and spiritually. They have not put on the wedding garment - they have not clothed themselves with virtue - they have not put on the mind of Christ. They stroll into the Eucharistic celebration as if entering a pub, thinking "Why should I get dressed up? The king should be happy that I come at all, that I still communicate, that I bother myself enough to leave my pew to stuff a bit of bread in my mouth." They are present, but don't have the faintest inkling of the grandeur of the event.

None of these responses is without its consequences. The images Jesus uses, I think, make this perfectly clear. We are not simply being invited to a fraternity party, where our rejection of the invitation has no moral or spiritual significance. Neither is our acceptance of the invitation by itself enough to save. Our coming to the banquet, the Holy Eucharist, is not enough. In fact, we may eat and drink to our condemnation if we eat and drink unworthily.

What we are offered here is nothing less than eternal life and a participation in the fullness of God's love. However, this love is not indulgence, or a spinelessness that coddles us in our sin, but a call to embrace that which alone can bring us true wholeness and purity. The Father has given his last and best; he has nothing better. He who scorns this most precious gift can expect nothing more. There is a rigor in God's mercy.

[orthodoxadventure]

A prayer to our Venerable Father Silouan The Athonite

(Said kneeling)

O holy father Silouan, pray unto God for us.

O all-wondrous father Silouan, favorite of God! By the grace given thee by God to pray with tears for the whole world — the dead, the living and those yet to come — never cease to make entreaty to the Lord for us who earnestly fall down before thee and with compunction beseech thine intercession. Move thou to prayer, O most blessed one, the earnest Helper of the Christian race, the all-blessed Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary, who wondrously summoned thee to be a faithful husbandman in her earthly garden, where the chosen of God implore Him to be merciful and long-suffering toward our sins, that He not be mindful of our injustices and iniquities, but that in His ineffable goodness our Lord Jesus Christ may take pity and save us in His great mercy. Yea, O favorite of God, with the all-blessed Mistress of the world, the most holy Abbess of Athos, and the holy ascetics of her earthly portion, ask of the Word, Who is holier than all the saints, that Mount Athos and its God-loving desert-dwellers may be preserved in peace from all misfortunes and the assaults, of the enemy, that, delivered by the angels from evils, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit in faith and brotherly love, until the end of time they may offer up supplications for the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, and may show unto all the path to salvation, that the earthly Church and that of heaven may unceasingly glorify the Creator and Father of lights, illumining and sanctifying the world in the eternal righteousness and goodness of God. For the peoples of the whole world ask, a prosperous and peaceful life, the spirit of humble-mindedness and brotherly love, good morals and salvation, and the spirit of the fear of God, that the hearts of men may not be infected with malice and iniquity, which are able to uproot the love of God in men and cast them into God-opposing enmity and fratricide, but that the name of God may be sanctified in the power of divine love and righteousness on earth and in heaven, that His holy will may be manifest, among men, and that peace and the kingdom of God may reign on earth. Likewise, O favorite of God, for our homeland, beg the peace we desire and the blessing of heaven, that, protected by the almighty veil of the Mother of God, it may be delivered from wrath, famine, plague, earthquake, flood, fire, the sword, foreign invasion, civil war, sudden death, and from all enemies, visible and invisible; and thus, through the power of the life-giving Cross, may be the most sacred dwelling- place of the all-blessed Theotokos until the end of time, and may be established in the superabundant love of God. And for all of us who are sunk in the darkness of sin, who have neither fervent repentance nor the fear of God, and thus immeasurably offend the Lord Who loveth us, O most blessed one, ask of our most compassionate God that He divinely visit and enliven our souls with His omnipotent grace, and that He abolish in our hearts all malice and the pride of life, despondency and negligence. Again we pray that when we are fortified by the grace of the most Holy Spirit and warmed by the love of God, we may be strengthened in love of mankind and our brethren, in humble-mindedness and prayerful crucifixion for one another and for all, and in the righteousness and grace-filled love of God, and may draw nigh unto Him like children: that thus doing His most holy will, we may tread the path of this transitory life unashamed, in all piety and purity, and with all the saints of the heavenly kingdom may be vouchsafed the wedding-banquet of the Lamb. From all those in heaven and on earth be glory, honor and worship unto Him, and His unoriginate Father and His all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Amen.

[fr-martin-gospel-reflections]

28th November - ‘Your liberation is near at hand’, Reflection on the readings for Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (Luke 21:20-28)

Thursday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Many of the responses we say or sing at Mass are drawn from the Scriptures, such as ‘Holy, Holy, Holy Lord…’ which comes from the prophet Isaiah. When the priest says just before distributing Holy Communion, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world’, it is drawn from the words of John the Baptist in the gospel of John as he points out Jesus to his disciples. When the priest goes on to say, ‘Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb’, it is drawn from today’s first reading from the Book of Revelation, ‘Happy are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb’. The writer there was referring to the great feast in the kingdom of heaven, when the risen Lord, the Lamb of God, would gather people of every race and language who were open to his invitation. When the priest speaks of the ‘supper of the Lamb’, he is referring to the Eucharist at which we are gathered. The table of the Lord, the altar, from which we are fed by the Bread of Life looks ahead to that final banquet of eternal life to which we are all called. This is the hope that our faith gives us. We never lose that hope even when a great darkness comes over our world, our cities, our lives. Jesus refers to such great darkness in today’s gospel reading, but he goes on to say that he will come into this darkness with great power and glory, and, therefore, we should always stand erect, with our heads held high, full of hope. The Lord is always present at the heart of any darkness in which we find ourselves, and he is always at work to bring us to our final destiny, the banquet of eternal life.

[sepanbanquet]

Mediterranean Flavors at Sepan’s Platinum Banquet Hall

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Exploring the Menu You’re in for a gourmet adventure the moment you walk inside Sepan Banquet Hall. With each dish created to perfection by our talented chefs, our Mediterranean cuisine offers a tapestry of tastes.

Picture beginning with a mezze plate, which consists of a variety of richly flavorful appetizers including Hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh. For the main course, our grilled seafood plate and slow-cooked lamb shank, which are always a hit, are our favorites. These dishes are more than just meals, they’re masterpieces that individually capture the rich culinary legacy of the Mediterranean region.

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Our commitment to authenticity goes beyond the main dishes. A delightful example of our gastronomic diversity is the assortment of Mediterranean sweets offered by Sepan.

Treat your guests to baklava drizzled with syrup honey or serve rosewater-infused mousses as a cool way to close the dinner. Not only are these sweets delicious, but they are also cultural treasures that give your event’s menu a unique flavor. This makes Sepan more than just another banquet hall; rather, it’s a doorway to Mediterranean decadence.

Pairing Ideas At Sepan Banquet Hall, we think about experiences as a whole. The entire atmosphere of your event might be improved by coordinating Mediterranean foods with other components.

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In addition to being highly trained experts, our staff is passionate about Mediterranean culture and can provide you with helpful suggestions and insights to make your dining experience even more memorable. The impeccable service at platinum-class events is a testament to their meticulousness and skill, which elevates the experience to a whole new level.

Mediterranean Culinary Excellence at Sepan When you select Sepan Banquet Hall for your event, you are selecting a gastronomic journey that will wow your guests and create memories they won’t forget. Sepan, a location where cuisine, culture, and celebration all coexist together in the center of Los Angeles, is a shining example of Mediterranean culinary perfection. Our staff aims to provide a personal and remarkable Mediterranean dining experience, perfect for any special occasion, be it a wedding, business event, or even a quinceanera.

With that in mind, consider Sepan Banquet Hall, where each dish is a work of art, and each gathering is an unforgettable adventure through the flavors of the Mediterranean.

[graceandpeacejoanne]

Revelation 19: Wedding Banquet of the Lamb

Great rejoicing has broken out in heaven, in response to the heavenly voice’s command to be glad over God’s judgment. The wedding feast of the Lamb is about to commence #Revelation19 #WeddingFeast #Alleluia

Great rejoicing has broken out in heaven, in response to the heavenly voice’s command to be glad over God’s judgment. As John witnessed the throngs of heaven give praise, the same angel who had been speaking to him throughout chapters 17 and 18 now told him to write down how blessed those are who have been invited the wedding banquet of the Lamb, and to reassure John everything the angel had told…

[revmeg]

"[Say Jesus has been saving a bottle]" by Matthew E. Henry

Say Jesus has been saving a bottle for the marriage supper of the Lamb. wine full-bodied, but bloodless. vintage: before. in a cask made from the Other Tree--stored in a celestial cellar--it improves with eons, matures with eternity. He lets it breathe every few centuries, once held a small testing at a wedding-- 180 gallons--in Cana of Galilee. angelic sommeliers prepare crystal decanters and glasses around His banqueting table, wait to pour His reserved libations, refill our overflowing chalices, forever.

[pooma-bible]

Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

VISION 03: The Great Marriage Supper of the Lamb, of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Rhema Word: Revelation 19:7-9 (NKJV) “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

Let us pray. Our Gracious Loving Father, thank You for giving us an opportunity to meditate Your Word today along with Your children who have been called to live a holy life, Father. I commit everyone who are all meditating this message into Your mighty hand Father. Bless them and give them the oneness of Spirit and make their heart as a good land to receive each Word which is living and active Father. Thank You Holy Spirit for helping us to understand the in-depth treasure of Your Word and helping us to live a life as per Your Word Lord. We give all the Glory and Honour to You only Father. We pray in the mighty Name of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

The passage in Revelation Chapters 17 to 20:15 covers the THIRD VISION that Christ gives apostle John in the following subjects:

VISION 03: The Judgement of Both Religious Babylon And Political Babylon [Chapters 17:1 – 18:24]:

VISION 03: The Great Marriage Supper of the Lamb, of the Lord Jesus Christ [Chapters 19:1-10]:

VISION 03: The Final Triumph: The Millennium Ushered In [Chapters 19:11-20:15]:

Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth, and He is going to establish the righteousness of God forever and ever. But before He can come and establish righteousness in the earth, a few things must be done:

=> All the godless and evil armies of this world must be destroyed. This we have seen in the Chapter 16.

=> All the false religion in this world must be destroyed. This we have seen in the Chapter 17.

=> All the godless governments and politics and social systems of this world must be destroyed. This we have just seen in the Chapter 18.

DIVISION OVERVIEW: This is the great Marriage Supper of the Lamb, of the Lord Jesus Christ. This will be the great supper where all of heaven will be present to celebrate the union of Jesus Christ and the believers who have followed Him down through the centuries. Everyone in heaven will be there: God, Christ, believers, and the heavenly host. It will be the most celebrated and joyful event ever experienced up to that point in history. Why? Because it will be the great Marriage Supper of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the celebration of the very thing for which He died. It will be the first time that all the redeemed of all ages will come together at one time to honour the Lamb who was slain to redeem the universe. Because of what He has done for man, He is deserving of all the honour and praise possible. To give Him such glorious honour, God has planned the greatest celebration and banquet imaginable, the celebration of what He calls the great Marriage Supper of the Lamb (v.9).

We will be meditating the VISION 03: The Great Marriage Supper of the Lamb, of the Lord Jesus Christ! under the following with the help of our Holy Spirit:

(01) The Wedding Supper Will be a Supper of Glorious Praise:

(02) The Wedding Supper Will Focus Upon the Lamb:

(03) The Wedding Supper Will have a Pure & Prepared Bride:

(04) The Wedding Supper Will be a Blessed and Glorious Event:

(01) The Wedding Supper Will be a Supper of Glorious Praise:

The Bible says in Revelation 19:1-6 “After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honour and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” Again, they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!” And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

(i) The supper will be the “Hallelujah of Salvation��. This is probably the heavenly host that will be singing forth this hallelujah (Rev. 5:11; Hebrews 12:22).

(a) Salvation belongs to God: He is the One who has wrought salvation for believers and for the earth. The angels have been watching the plan of God for generations as it has unfolded for man’s salvation. They were amazed time and again at God’s unbelievable mercy and grace to man. They have witnessed the whole scene of temptation and trial, sin and evil – all the struggle and conflict upon earth and within the soul of man. Standing there at the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb, the angels will see the most spectacular sight they have even witnessed: the completion of God’s salvation. Therefore, they will praise God as the God of salvation at the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

The Bible says in Psalm 37:39; Isaiah 12:2; 25:9 “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.” … “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’” … “And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.”

(b) Glory belongs to God: He alone possesses glory. All the glory, light, and splendour of heaven and earth flows out from His own Being. The very glory which will be given to believers in the glorious day of salvation will come from God. Therefore, the angels will praise God for His glory at the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

Apostle Paul says in Romans 15:6; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” … “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

The Bible says in Psalms 22:23; 24:10; 29:2 “You who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and fear Him, all your offspring of Israel!” … “Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.” … “Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

(c) Power belongs to God: He is the Supreme power in the universe. It is His power that has saved man and the world. Therefore, his power will be praised at the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

The Bible says in 1 Chronicles 29:12; Psalms 115:3 “Both riches and honour come from You, And You reign overall. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” … “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.”

The Bible says in Revelation 7:11-12 “ All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honour and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

(ii) The supper will be filled with the hallelujah of victory (v.2-3). The Lord Jesus Christ will triumph over all the ungodly and evil of the earth.

=> He will destroy the godless polities of the world and the social, commercial, cultural, and religious systems of the world.

=> He will avenge the persecution and abuse of His dear followers upon earth. He will judge and destroy every evil, abusive, and murdering person on earth, treating them in perfect justice, giving them a punishment equal to the suffering they inflicted upon earth.

=> He will return to earth and establish righteousness upon earth.

Therefore, at the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb, the angels will break out in praise to God for the great victory He has wrought upon earth. His judgements are true and righteous. His judgements are exactly matched to a person’s evil. They are perfect, altogether true, and righteous. Therefore, the angels will praise God for His glorious victory at the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:12 “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” … “Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”

The Bible says in Revelation 11:17; Psalm 35:28 “Saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.” … “And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long.”

(iii) The supper will be filled with the hallelujah of worship (v.4). Note that the twenty-four elders and four living creatures will offer this worship. They will burst forth in praise to God Himself, saying nothing but “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah…” God is so wonderful. At the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb, those who are closest to the throne of God will burst forth in praising God just for Himself.

The Bible says in Psalm 57:5; 107:32 “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.” … “Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the company of the elders.”

(iv) The supper will be filled with the hallelujah of God’s omnipotent reign (v.5-6). A voice will cry out from the throne of God to all the servants of God and to all who fear and reverence Him – cry out for all the heavenly host to praise the Lord our God for His omnipotent reign. The Lord our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is going to reign in sovereign power upon the earth and He is going to reign forever and ever over the new heavens and earth. And note: He is going to reign in omnipotent power, supreme overall. The prayer of God’s people, “Your kingdom come”, is about to become a living reality upon earth forever and ever. At the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb all of heaven will be stirred to praise the Lord God for His omnipotent reign.

The Bible says in Revelation 11:17; 12:10; 19:6 “Saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.” … “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” … “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

The Bible says in Jeremiah 23:5; Daniel 7:14; 2 Chronicles 20:6 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.” … “Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.” … “And said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?”

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name, which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

(02) The Wedding Supper Will Focus Upon the Lamb:

The Bible says in Revelation 19:7 “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

The Wedding Supper will focus upon the Lamb Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ. Note that all attention at the supper is to be focused upon the Lamb. In most weddings and wedding suppers upon earth, the attention is centred upon the bride. But this will not be true at the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb. The Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, will be the great focus. The reasons are clearly stated:

=> It will be the Lamb who will be the cause of our gladness and rejoicing.

=> It will be the Lamb who deserves glory. We would not even be there if it were not for Him.

=> It will be the Lamb for whom the supper is named; it is His supper, the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

=> It will be the Lamb who stirred the bride to make herself ready.

Lesson: If Jesus Christ is to be the focus of attention in that day, how much more should He be today? Jesus Christ is deserving of our attention, all our attention, all our lives, all our service, worship, and praise.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Luke 9:23; 14:26-27 “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” … “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Philippians 3:8 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” … “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” … “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

(03) The Wedding Supper Will have a Pure & Prepared Bride:

The Bible says in Revelation 19:7-8 “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”

The Wedding Supper will have a pure and prepared bride. Note two significant points:

(i) The bride, the church, the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, prepares herself. How? This includes everything that a believer does to become acceptable to God.

(a) A believer prepares himself by receiving the Lamb of God as his Saviour. A person will not be acceptable at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb unless he accepts the sacrifice of the Lamb as the sacrifice for his own sins. He must come to the Lamb in order to enter the supper of the Lamb. If he does not come to the Lamb, then he will never enter the supper. If he does not live with the Lamb while on earth, then when the Lamb appears at the supper, the person will not be there. He will be excluded and shut out.

(b) A believer prepares himself by following the Lamb. The Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, sacrificed Himself to the ultimate degree. He gave up His life totally and died for man. Therefore, man is to sacrifice himself to the ultimate degree. Man is to die to self and live entirely for the Lamb of God. The believer is…

=> to work and labour to the point of exhaustion as the Lamb worked and laboured.

-> to live righteously and godly just as the Lamb lived.

When the believer denies himself totally and takes up his cross daily follows Jesus Christ, then he prepares himself for the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb. The believer has given all his heart and life to Jesus Christ. Therefore, he will be prepared to share in the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

(ii) A believer prepares himself by righteous deeds or acts (v.8). The word “righteous” (dikaiomata) here means righteous deeds or acts. This would mean two things:

(a) The believer acts righteously, does the right thing when he receives Jesus Christ as his Saviour. It is then that God accepts the belief of the person as righteousness. God takes a person’s faith in His Son and counts his faith as righteousness. Why? Because the person believes that the sacrifice of the Lamb, the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, was for the sins of the world. The person believes that Jesus Christ died for his sins, as his sacrifice, as his substitute. He believes that the penalty and judgement of his sins have been paid for by Christ. Therefore, he is free of sin and made acceptable to God. God takes his faith and counts his faith as righteousness. God counts him righteous in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This is what is called imputed righteousness, righteousness that is given or put to one’s account before God. It is a righteousness that is counted and credited to the believer. Therefore, when the believer is ready to attend the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb, he will be given the clean and white clothing necessary to enter the supper. Note: the fine clothing is said to be the righteousness or righteous deeds of the saints.

Now, this is the first righteous deed that a person is to do. If he does this righteous deed, then he will be accepted into the great Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

(b) The believer is also to do other righteous deeds. He is to serve the Lamb of God to the fullest degree possible. Every believer is aware that not all believers do this; not all believers serve God with all their heart, soul, and body. In fact, some believers do little for Christ. Therefore, note verse eight carefully: the bride of Christ – all believers – will be in heaven. They will be accepted and made perfect in the righteousness of Christ. They have robes that are white and pure. But note: when they get ready to attend and great Wedding Supper of the Lamb, God will give believers another garment that is made of fine linen that will be bright and clean. What is the other garment? It is…

=> the garment of righteous deeds and acts;

=> the garment of reward;

=> the garment that shows position and responsibility;

=> the garment that rewards one for faithfulness.

Remember: Christ and Scripture declare emphatically that there will be positions in the new heavens and earth, degrees of labour and service, of responsibility and duty assigned to all of us. The unfaithful and half-faithful will not be assigned as high a position as the faithful; they will not be as greatly rewarded. We shall all be perfected and glorified in heaven, but we will not all rule and reign in equal positions. The whole universe, both heaven and earth, are to be remade, perfected, and made alive. The Lord Jesus Christ is going to have His followers looking after the universe for Him. What and how much we will be assigned to oversee and reign over depends on our faithfulness now. These robes for the great Wedding Supper will be the robes of righteous deeds and works – the robes that will show the position of our authority throughout eternity. They will, no doubt, determine where we will be sitting at the great Wedding Supper.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:22 “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 15:58; 2 Corinthians 5:10 “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” … “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” … “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” … “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 3:17 “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.”

(04) The Wedding Supper Will be a Blessed and Glorious Event:

The Bible says in Revelation 19:9-10 “Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

The Wedding Supper will be a blessed and glorious event, the most glorious event ever held in history. Note two things:

(i) The Wedding Supper will be the most blessed celebration in all of history. The idea is greatly blessed. Note: there are those who say the guests refer to a separate group other than the bride, that is, the church. But this is unlikely. This is the supper of the Lamb, not of the Lamb and the Bride. The Lamb is the One who has called all guests to the great supper. In fact, believers, the bride, comprise some of the major guests at the supper.

The supper will be a blessed event for one reason: all the heavenly host will be there, all believers and all angelic beings, and both God and Christ. It will be a blessed event, a glorious and spectacular celebration, because everyone is there – all believers are gathered in the great banquet hall of God - all are gathered for the very first time in history.

Lesson: It stirs the heart to think there will be periodic suppers throughout eternity when Christ will gather us all together for celebration. Imagine all of us being called together from our various duties and kingdoms from all parts of the universe, called together for a great supper celebration. What a glorious thought! May God stir our hearts to serve our Lord ever so diligently, day and night. Being with our Lord and God in heaven and in eternity, in the new heavens and earth – it will all be worth it when we see Jesus.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 22:4; Luke 14:16 “Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” … “Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many.”

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:9 “ But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

The Bible says in Revelation 19:9; 21:7 “Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” … “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”

(ii) The Wedding Supper will be blessed because it is for the purpose of worshipping God and Him alone. This is clearly illustrated for us by what happened to John. Remember: John was still a human man, not a redeemed man. The Lord was giving him a vision of the end time and its events. John is so caught up in the majestic splendour and celebration of the supper that he falls at the feet of the great angel to worship him. But the angel tells John not to worship him nor anyone else, but to worship God alone. There are two reasons given for this:

(a) First, all creatures, even the majestic angels of heaven, are only servants of God. They may be majestic beings, but they are not God.

(b) Second, Jesus Christ Himself is the One who bears testimony of the truth. Christ and Christ alone possess and shared the truth. The only truth that the angels and servants have is the truth borne by Christ. Therefore, He and He alone is worthy of worship. No angel or any other creature possesses the truth. Therefore, worship God and God alone.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 4:10; John 4:24 “Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” … “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

The Bible says in Revelation 14:7; 22:9 “Saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” … “Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

The Bible says in 1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 95:6; 96:9 “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!” … “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” … “ Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.”

Let us introspect ourselves.

Shall we thank our God for infusing us a hope – a picture of victory of the Lamb of God, of His beloved Son Jesus Christ?

Shall we thank our God for showing visions that show the glorious triumph that lies ahead for those who follow His beloved Son Jesus Christ and endure to the end?

Shall we thank our God for giving us victory through His beloved Son Jesus Christ over evil and bringing righteousness and godliness and His Kingdom to reign upon earth?

Shall we thank our God for revealing the fact that the supper will be the “Hallelujah of Salvation” celebrating the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ over all the ungodly and evil of the earth?

Shall we thank our God for revealing the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth and establish righteousness upon earth?

Shall we thank our God for revealing the fact that the supper will be filled with the hallelujah of worship by the twenty-four elders and God’s omnipotent reign?

Shall we thank our God for revealing the fact that the Wedding Supper will have a pure and prepared bride with who is living righteously and godly just as the Lamb lived?

Shall we thank our God for revealing the fact that the Wedding Supper will be blessed because it is for the purpose of worshipping God and Him alone and our Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the One who bears testimony of the truth?

Shall we submit ourselves to our God for helping us to TURN TO HIS BELOVED SON JESUS CHRIST FOR SALVATION BEFORE THE END COMES?

Let us Pray: Our Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank You for helping us to understand about VISION 03: The Great Marriage Supper of the Lamb, of the Lord Jesus Christ, today, Father. We thank You Father for infusing us a hope – a picture of victory of the Lamb of God, of His beloved Son Jesus Christ, showing visions that show the glorious triumph that lies ahead for those who follow His beloved Son Jesus Christ and endure to the end, giving us victory through His beloved Son Jesus Christ over evil and bringing righteousness and godliness and His Kingdom to reign upon earth Father. We thank You Father for revealing the fact that the supper will be the “Hallelujah of Salvation” celebrating the victory of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ over all the ungodly and evil of the earth, for revealing the fact that Your beloved Son Jesus Christ will return to earth and establish righteousness upon earth, that the supper will be filled with the hallelujah of worship by the twenty-four elders and God’s omnipotent reign, that the Wedding Supper will have a pure and prepared bride who is living righteously and godly just as the Lamb lived Father. We thank You Father, for revealing the fact that the Wedding Supper will be blessed because it is for the purpose of worshipping You and You alone, and Your beloved Son Jesus Christ Who the One who bears testimony of the truth, Father. Father, we commit ourselves wholeheartedly today and help us to TURN TO YOUR BELOVED SON JESUS CHRIST FOR SALVATION BEFORE THE END COMES. We thank You Father for filling us with Your joy, peace, and hope, for accepting us when we approach You through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ besides being merciful on us and loving us so much and predestined us to receive Your promise of glory through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, Father. We give all praise, glory, and honour to Your Holy Name. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

God bless you all.

[steveezekiel]

THE CHOSEN FEW

1 And Jesus answered and spoke to them AGAIN by parables and said:

2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,

3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.

4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’

5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.

6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.

7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.

9 Therefore go into the highways, AND AS MANY AS YOU FIND, INVITE TO THE WEDDING.'

10 So those servants went out into the highways and GATHERED TOGETHER ALL WHOM THEY FOUND, BOTH BAD AND GOOD. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, HE SAW A MAN THERE WHO DID NOT HAVE ON A WEDDING GARMENT.

12 So he said to him, ‘FRIEND, HOW DID YOU COME IN HERE WITHOUT A WEDDING GARMENT?’ And he was speechless.

13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, AND CAST HIM INTO OUTER DARKNESS; THERE WILL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH.’

14 “FOR MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN."

Matthew 22:1-14 (NKJV)

• Many have turned down God’s invitations for SALVATION and Deliverance (Revelation 3:20).

- God has a plan for the SALVATION of every mankind, He desires all people to be saved, you and I are included: "WHO DESIRES ALL MEN BE SAVED AND TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH" (1 Timothy 2:4).

- If you turned down the invitation extended to you, it is to your disadvantage and eternal regret: “When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. BUT THEY ALL REFUSED TO COME!” (Matthew 22:3 NLT)

- If you turned down the God’s offer OF SALVATION, Deliverance, and Blessing, you will lose your life at the end.

-> Wedding garment

• The wedding garment in the parable symbolizes SALVATION.

- Whoever would be allowed in the marriage supper of the Lamb MUST put on the wedding garment that symbolizes SALVATION (Revelation 19:9).

- If you are not born-again, you would NOT be allowed in the marriage supper of the Lamb that would come up after the rapture of the saints (Revelation 19:7-9).

- The man who was not wearing the wedding garment was thrown out into the outer darkness—the Hell fire; where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 22:12,13).

->"For Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14).

• It not everyone in the Church that will make HEAVEN, because some are Church people, they are not Kingdom people.

- The Church people are the Church attendees, those who attend the Church meetings as traditions, but do not have a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ.

THOSE who do not have any personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

- The Church people do not live by Kingdom principles, they live by their senses, they are like unbelievers (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

- They are moved and led by what they see, and what is happening around THEM.

- They are bodily rule Christians, they are carnal, they are controlled by their FLESH (Romans 8:5-8).

- Kingdom people, however, are those who live by the principles of the Word of God; they are moved and LED by the Word of God (James 1:22,25).

- They do not allow what they see, things happening around them, to move them: "18 while WE DO NOT LOOK AT the THINGS which are SEEN, BUT at the THINGS which are NOT SEEN. FOR THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN ARE TEMPORARY, BUT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN ARE ETERNAL" (2 Corinthians 4:18).

- They set their minds on heavenly things: "SET your MIND on THINGS ABOVE, NOT on THINGS on THE EARTH" (Colossians 3:2).

• Everybody on earth is called to SALVATION that is made free by Christ Jesus through His Life, the shedding of His blood.

- Few people are chosen because they are the ones who responded to the invitation given by God and embraced the principles of the Kingdom.

- In God’s Kingdom, if you wanted to be among the few chosen ones on the last day, you have to possess certain qualities!

- You have to be SAVED, born-again, acknowledge that Jesus died for your Sin, and resurrected that you might be justified, made right with God (Romans 4:25; 10:9,10).

- If you repented of your Sins, and refused to go back into them, THEN you would have to walk in the newness of life (Romans 6:12-16; Colossians 3:5-7; Ephesians 4:21-24).

- You have to believe the Word of God: Read it, study it, think or ponder on it, and apply it to your daily life—be a doer of what you have read in it (James 1:22,25).

- You live a prayerful life, And a fasted life (Ephesians 6:18).

- You have to submit to the delegated authorities over your life, those whom God has ordained to take spiritual oversight of you (Hebrews 13:7,17).

"Invite everyone you see" (Matthew 22:9 NLT).

- The INSTRUCTION given to the servants is to invite everyone they see.

- The invitation was with a responsibility, the invitees were not allowed to wear just any garment, but the particular or specific garment designed for the wedding banquet.

- The truth is, no one can make it to heaven without salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ: "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME" (John 14:6).

READ: Revelation 20:15; 21:27

- No one in Islam, idol worshipping, or any other religion will make heaven, no matter how morally good or sound such may be.

- The only way to heaven, God eternal Kingdom, is salvation through Jesus CHRIST: "Nor is there SALVATION in any other, FOR THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED" (Acts 4:12).

- Jesus said He is the only WAY, TRUTH and LIFE that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

• No moralist, religionist, or Church people will make heaven without genuine salvation, genuine repentance from Sin which typifies the wedding garment.

- If you do not have a wedding garment, forget about eternity in heaven—in God's Kingdom.

- What would be your gain if you do miss heaven?

IF at the end of you journey on Earth, you have no place in heaven among the saints, Would that not be a Great disaster to you.

-> Truth

• If you are not living right presently as a professed believer in Christ Jesus, or you are not sure of the genuineness of your SALVATION—being born AGAIN. YOU have to take a step now, tomorrow might be too late: "while it is said, “Today [while there is still opportunity] if you hear His voice, Do not harden your heart, as when they provoked Me [in the rebellion in the desert at Meribah]” (Hebrews 3:15 AMP).

• Many are called, but few are chosen.

ARE you among the chosen ones?

- God is principled and unbiased: "FOR THERE IS NO PARTIALITY WITH GOD" (Romans 2:11 NKJV).

- You cannot bribe your way to heaven (Acts 8:17-21).

- Whatever is of God cannot be bought with money. You have to live right, do the needful to be qualified to have it.

17. THEN THEY LAID HANDS ON THEM, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18. And when Simon [the sorcerer] SAW that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, HE OFFERED THEM MONEY,

19. saying, “GIVE ME THIS POWER ALSO, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

20. But Peter said to him, “YOUR MONEY PERISH WITH YOU, BECAUSE YOU THOUGHT THAT THE GIFT OF GOD COULD BE PURCHASED WITH MONEY! 21. You have neither part nor portion in this matter, FOR YOUR HEART IS NOT RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD."

Acts 8:17-21 (NKJV)

- If you do not have a wedding Garment, you will not be allowed there.

THE wedding Garment is the SALVATION of your soul.

ARE you born again?

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

Peace!

[angeltreasure]

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. -John 6:53

THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST

1323 “At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.’”

- Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, page 334

-

What is this Sacrament Called?

1328 The inexhaustible richness of this sacrament is expressed in the different names we give it. Each name evokes certain aspects of it. It is called:

Eucharist, because it is an action of thanksgiving to God. The Greek words eucharistein and eulogein recall the Jewish blessings that proclaim-especially during a meal-God’s works: creation, redemption, and sanctification.

1329 The Lord’s Supper, because of its connection with the supper which the Lord took his disciples on the eve of his Passion and because it anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb in the heavenly Jerusalem.

The Breaking of Bread, because Jesus used this rite, part of a Jewish meal, when as master of the table he blessed and distributed the bread, above all at the Last Supper. It is by this action that his disciples will recognize him after his Resurrection, and it is this expression that the first Christians will use to designate their Eucharistic assemblies, by doing so they signified that all who eat the one broken bread, Christ, enter into communion with him and form but one body in him.

The Eucharistic assembly (synaxis), because the Eucharist is celebrated amid the assembly of the faithful, the visible expression of the Church.

-Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, page 335

-

1336 The first announcement of the Eucharist divided the disciples, just as the announcement of the Passion scandalized them: “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” The Eucharist and the Cross are stumbling blocks. It is the same mystery and it never ceases to be an occasion of division. “Will you also go away?”: the Lord’s questions echos through the ages, as a loving invitation to discover that only he has “the words of eternal life” and that to receive in faith the gift of his Eucharist is to receive the Lord himself.

- Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, page 337

EUCHARIST OR HOLY COMMUNION NOT IN THE BIBLE : Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life" - John 6:35

RELIGION IS BASED ON FEAR & FORCES ITS BELIEVERS TO FOLLOW 'MAN-MADE' RITUALS THAN SPIRITUAL TRUTH.

So, do not be cheated anymore by preachers, who twist God’s word for selfish gains or force you to follow 'man-made' religion, denominations & its ungodly traditions. STAY AWAY FROM RELIGIOUS LEADERS & THEIR PLACES OF WORSHIP (1 Tim 6:5, Col 2:8). God bless you & yours.

The Great Call of God (TGCG)

[A non-religious & non-denominational SPIRITUAL ministry]

https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatCallofGod

[yhwhrulz]

Wayside Chapel Daily Devotional 20th March 2023

March 20

Matthew 22:8-10 8"Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' 10So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

One of Jesus' parables during the final week was of a king who invited guests to his son's wedding. In that culture it would have been insulting and arrogant to refuse to attend such an important event. Those first invited ignored the invitation and even abused the messengers, killing some of them. The king sent his army to execute justice, but the wedding preparations sat waiting. Then the king sent more servants out to invite anyone they found. The banquet hall was filled with both good and bad guests.

This is about the call to the Jews to be the bride of the Son. They refused to accept Christ. They mistreated and killed the prophets. Then the gospel went out to all. I'm one of the bad ones that were found. Thank God that He did not just ask the servants to look for only good people. We are already partaking of all the generosity of the King. One day we will actually sit at the wedding feast of the Lamb of God. What an honor!

There was a man there without a wedding gown. It was the custom of the time for the host provided a white gown for all the guests upon their arrival at the feast. Someone had refused to wear the gown. He was promptly thrown out. The gown is the righteousness of Christ. "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ." That is the only reason that the good and the bad can both be there. We are clothed with Christ. Without that covering, it would not matter how good we were, we would still be refusing to accept the covering our King has provided. Jesus closed the parable by saying that many are called but few are chosen. If you have heard the call, be sure you put on Christ. The righteousness of Christ is the only thing that makes you acceptable in that place and a witness here below.

Consider: What does it mean to be clothed in Christ?