Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
“These are the ones who follow the lamb …”
Today’s liturgical reading includes a passage from Revelations, one of the most misunderstood and incorrectly interpreted books in The Bible. Loaded with so much imagery and incredible passages of fiery judgment, the words cause the reader to picture the end of the world – perhaps scaring some.
For a bit of a different perspective, take a look at The Lamb’s Supper, a wonderful book by Scott Hahn, who teaches that Revelations can be viewed not only as an illustration of a Passover, but of a Catholic Mass, which becomes a taste of what Heaven will be.
When I read Hahn’s book several years ago, it changed the way I viewed Revelations. That last book of the Bible is not a book to fear, but one to embrace, especially for its imagery. But in order to appreciate those images, one must dig just a bit deeper into the many ways its author – and others who came before him – used numbers and images to convey an idea.
In today’s reading, you may have noticed an oddity … a big number …
“… the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been ransomed from the earth.”
144,000 – really? Did John count this many white-robed heads who were gathered to sing praises to Christ, our King? Or does that number have another meaning?
All you have to do is grab a good Catholic Study Bible to learn that in those times, the number 12 was one of the numbers of perfection, perhaps because there were 12 tribes of Israel and Christ chose 12 apostles. (Another number of perfection is 7, which gives rise to the meaning of 6 … or 666 … the sign of the devil who mimics, but falls just shy of the perfection of God. Alas, that is another story).
The number 12 was a much revered number. And when you consider that 1,000 was often used as an indication of immensity or totality, it won’t take long to do the math. 12 x 12 x 1,000 … 144,000 … an immense number of those found worthy to be in heaven. Another way to say the Church in totality, earning its reward in Heaven and found worthy to participate in the Mass.
Who is considered worthy? “The ones who follow the Lamb …”
Having just celebrated Christ the King Sunday, it’s pretty clear to most faithful that in order to “follow the Lamb” one must do as Jesus does … act as He acts, love as He loves.
In other words, those who ultimately will be given the honor, the reward, of being part of the Heavenly celebration and worship of our Father, are those who do as Christ did. And it stands to reason the teaching extends to the celebration of Mass.
Those who are worthy of approaching the altar, to receive Holy Communion and then effectively putting that Eucharist to work (by giving it away in the form of good works throughout the week) are the very same who look forward to wearing those white robes and singing the praises of our Father in heaven, for eternity.
As the Psalm says …
“Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? … He whose hands are sinless, whose heart it clean, who desire not what is vain.”
Where does your heart search for fulfillment? That’s a question we must ask ourselves every day. Our salvation hinges on the truth of our answer.
