The gospel passage today gives very clear reference to two historical spiritual realities:

first, the Lord's own people, the family of the Father's chosen ones, descendants of Abraham, who were preparing for many centuries to receive the Messiah, are not recognizing the fact that it is he and that the redemption, salvation, peace they have been looking for are to be found in his very person;

second, a great many people throughout the centuries since the time of Jesus up to this very day do not recognize the fact that he, the Messiah, has both been here historically, and remains here spiritually: in the Sacraments, in the Scriptures, in we the people who have been Baptized and Confirmed (Ordained) into his very life – and who are now Communicants of his very real spiritual Body and Blood in the Eucharist – he is present in the Catholic Church!

The first reading from the Book of Revelation describes this in an incredibly dramatic fashion. It tells that Jesus, the Messiah – is the Lamb slain who alone was worthy to open the book of life (at the throne of his Father in heaven), with its seals. The hymn to the Lamb that St. John relates to us as he heard it in heaven proclaims: Worthy are you to receive the scroll and break open its seals, for you were slain and with your Blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth!

This means that the One who alone is Worthy (Jesus) – by sharing his very life – through the shedding of his blood in death – has made everyone on earth (those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation) eligible to be not only members of the One Kingdom over which he will reign as King, but also priests who will reign over the new earth when it is established. And one day a new earth will surely be established!

May we this day acknowledge and acclaim Jesus as the Messiah who has come to his people as he promised; and pray that these his own people open their hearts to receive him! We hail Jesus as the Lamb of God slain for us – who is so generous in sharing the full fruits of his redemption with any who will receive them! We thank him for making us members of his kingdom
and priests who have the spiritual right to office pleasing "sacrifice of thanksgiving" to his Father!

Let us exult in glory today: let the praises of God be in our throats; let us sing for joy! Alleluia!