Often you send out invites and you don't even get a reply. You apply for a job and don't get an interview. We all know the pain of rejection or the disappointment of having something important to say and nobody listens. Paul and Barnabas had preached to the Jewish community and their message had been rejected. They turned to the pagans and it "made the pagans very happy to hear this and they thanked the Lord for his message; all who were destined for eternal life because believers." The Gospel was not to be for just one nation, but for everyone. So the experience of rejection and failure led to new opportunity resulting in joy and celebration; the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
The Apocalypse gives a glimpse in vivid picture language of joy and celebration, taking symbols from the Feast of Tents, a harvest festival reminding the Hebrews of when they slept in tents on their journey to the Promised Land. Those martyrs murdered by people who would not listen to the message are pictured as standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands. With clothes washing in the blood of the lamb of sacrifice, they will serve God day and night in his sanctuary; and the One who sits on his throne will spread his tent over them... and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.
The Lamb will become their shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water.
Those sheep that listen to Jesus will be given eternal life and no one will every separate them from him. Today is Vocations Sunday. There are jobs to be done to lead the flock to water and everyone is invited to consider how best to contribute. We each have to listen to his voice. But we should
not wonder whether we have a vocation - we do - each one of us! Some are called to holy orders or the religious life. All are called to service Christ in others, and to proclaim his message with whatever means at their disposal; for this is what the Lord commanded us to do when he said: I have made you a light for nations, so that my salvation may reach the ends of earth.
