Apocalypse 18:1-2, 21-23,; 19:1-3, 9 / Luke 21:20-28
We may have known that after a great tribulation, there will be a restoration and maybe even a celebration.
Usually after a dark period of despair and distress, there will be light and there will be a revelation, and maybe we may even come to see why things happened.
But when we are going to that dark distress and despairing period, it it difficult to see beyond the pain and the suffering.
In the gospel, Jesus talks about a dark and disturbing time. He talked about a great misery that will descend on the land and wrath on the people.
But at the end of the gospel passage, Jesus also gave hope and encouragement when He said: When these things begin to take place, stand erect and hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.
The 1st reading talks about the defeat of evil and the victory of God.
Those who were faithful to God were not only restored but there is a celebration awaiting them - they will be at the wedding feast of the Lamb.
That is the revelation for us, that after a time of tribulation, there will be a celebration.
It also reminds us that the sufferings of this world is nothing compared to the eternal celebration and happiness that is awaiting us.
Let us believe in it and persevere in our faith and hope.