Revelation 19:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The supper of Christ is the triumph and joy of the faithful. The blessed will inherit it in the eternal chamber with the Holy Bridegroom of spotless souls, for He who promises does not lie. The goods of the age to come, which surpass every mind, are exceedingly many. Therefore they are called by many different names. Sometimes they are called the Kingdom of Heaven, because of its glory and honor. Sometimes they are called paradise, because of the inexhaustible table of delights. Sometimes they are called the bosom of Abraham, because of the repose of those who rest there. Sometimes they are called the bridal chamber, because of endless gladness. They are also so called because of the pure, ineffable, and true union of God with His servants. This bond surpasses bodily communion as light and fragrant myrrh differ from darkness and stench.

Who are those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb, if not those of whom it is said: "I shall not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink new wine with you in the Kingdom of My heavenly Father" (Mt 26:29)? And again: "Many will come from east and west and recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven" (Mt 8:11). This means drinking the new cup, preparing the new bodies of the risen, bringing forth new joys, and rewarding the present righteousness of true faith. Blessed are those who are ready for this wedding banquet and this feast.

Concerning this the Lord said: "They will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven" (Mt 8:11), and again: "He will come and serve them" (Lk 12:37). Clearly He indicates those who are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28), and who complete the full number of the elect. For many are called, but few are chosen (Mt 22:14).

Here it is said that they are invited not to breakfast, but to supper. For supper at the end of the day is, without doubt, the true feast. And those who, at the end of this present temporal life, come to the repose of the contemplation above are certainly called to the supper of the Lamb.

Every person is called to become like his Archetype. And if the God in whom a person believes is holy, then to enter the marriage supper he must put on the garments of likeness to God. Otherwise he will have to share the lot of all those who gnash their teeth in vain in the outer darkness (cf. Mt 22:11-13).