On Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of Revelation (21:9-27) entitled "The vision of the heavenly Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb". Our treasure, which follows, is from a treatise by Saint Gaudentius of Brescia, bishop.

Saint Gaudentius was Bishop of Brescia in northern Italy and was a theologian and author of many letters and sermons. Saint Gaudentius was consecrated by Saint Ambrose in 387 and remained as bishop of Brescia until 410. A record of the discourse given by Gaudentius on the occasion of his consecration is preserved.

Saint Gaudentius's writings provide valuable insights into the theological beliefs and practices of the early Church. His emphasis on the real presence and the importance of the sacraments remains relevant today. His sermons and addresses offer a glimpse into the spiritual life and concerns of Christians in his time.

The main takeaway from our treasure today from the treatise "The Eucharist is the Lord's Passover" by Saint Gaudentius, is that the Eucharist is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Passover, where Jesus Christ becomes the true sacrificial Lamb who gives His Body and Blood for our salvation. Just as the Passover marked God's deliverance of His people, the Eucharist makes present Christ's saving sacrifice and brings believers into a new covenant. The message for Catholics is to recognize the Eucharist as a real participation in Christ's sacrifice, receiving it with faith, gratitude, and a commitment to live as people redeemed by Him.

In our first reading from Revelation (21:9–27) we are taught that the final destiny of God's people is perfect, radiant communion with Him in a holy and transformed "new Jerusalem."

The vision presents the Church as the "bride," united forever with Jesus Christ, symbolized by a magnificent city filled with divine glory. Its beauty—precious stones, radiant light, and perfect proportions—expresses not material wealth, but the perfection, holiness, and completeness of life with God. The city's foundations and gates, named after the apostles and tribes of Israel, show the fulfillment of God's covenant across all salvation history.

A key point is that there is no temple in the city, because God Himself and the Lamb are its temple. This means there is no separation between God and His people—His presence fills everything. Likewise, there is no need for sun or moon, because God's glory is its light, symbolizing total illumination by truth and divine life.

At the same time, the passage emphasizes holiness: nothing impure can enter this city. Only those who belong to God—those written in the "book of life"—share in this eternal communion.