The world we live in currently experiences great violence, whether it is man against man, or man against the Earth. Armed conflicts and environmental disasters are becoming more common and prevalent. Although we may consider these marks as that of a contemporary age, the early Christians too faced equally difficult challenges. They were under constant persecution and had to endure much suffering in worshipping and living out their faith. It is in this context that we can appreciate the assurance in today's reading from the Book of Revelation: evil will not prevail and that the glory of the Lord will come. Blessed indeed are all who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. In writing this, St John drew on the earlier words of our Lord in the Gospel where He spoke about the fulfilment of the prophecies of the Old Testament which foretold the destruction of Jerusalem. There would be great distress and fear, and yet, there was hopeful expectation that the Son of Man would come with great power and majesty. We dare to hope, because of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

As people of faith, let us lift up our heads in faith to welcome our expected Redeemer, Jesus Christ, despite all our fears and the current dreadful issues of the world.