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On the Fifth Sunday of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of Revelation (18:21---19:10) entitled "The wedding feast of the Lamb". Our treasure, which follows is from a sermon by Saint Maximus of Turin, bishop.

Saint Maximus was a fifth century bishop of Turin, a city in northwest Italy famous for the shroud of Turin being kept in the cathedral there. Saint Maximus was a theological writer "who made a great contribution to the spread and consolidation of Christianity in northern Italy". Saint Maximus may best be described as a zealous and effective pastor of souls.

Saint Maximus is best known for his powerful and practical sermons that helped ordinary Christians understand and live out the faith in daily life during the 4th–5th centuries. His main contribution to the Catholic Church is his clear teaching on how Scripture applies to moral living, especially themes like repentance, charity, and readiness for Christ's return. He emphasized that faith must be shown through concrete actions, not just words, making him an important early voice in pastoral preaching and Christian moral instruction in the Western Church.

He is the author of numerous discourses delivered to the people by the saint, consisting of 118 homilies, 116 sermons, and 6 treaties. Several hundred of these writings are still in existence. He died in 465.

The main takeaway from today's treasure from the sermon by Saint Maximus is that Jesus Christ is the true "day" who brings light, truth, and salvation into a world darkened by sin. Just as the physical day drives away night, Christ dispels spiritual darkness and calls believers to live in the light through faith, holiness, and good works. The sermon urges we Catholics to stay awake spiritually, reject sin, and live in a way that reflects the light of Christ each day, not just in belief but in action.

The primary teaching from the first reading for today concerning "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Revelation 18:21–19:10) is that God's final judgment on evil leads directly to the joy and fulfillment of union between Christ and His faithful people.

The passage first shows the complete downfall of "Babylon," symbolizing corrupt worldly power opposed to God. Its destruction is final and irreversible, signifying that systems built on pride, injustice, and idolatry cannot endure. This is followed by a great contrast in heaven: rejoicing, praise, and worship erupt as God's justice is revealed and His salvation is complete.

Then the focus shifts to the joyful celebration of the "wedding feast of the Lamb," where Jesus Christ is united with His purified people, often understood as the Church. The "bride" represents those who have remained faithful, clothed in righteous deeds given by God's grace. This imagery expresses the deep communion between Christ and His redeemed people—fulfilled love, covenant fidelity, and eternal communion.

In essence, the teaching is that God's judgment over evil is not the end in itself, but the necessary path to the fullness of salvation: the eternal, joyful union of Christ with those who have remained faithful to Him.