The final words of Revelation that form today's second reading are rich in symbolism and filled

with hope. The Easter candle, which has been burning in our midst, and will do so for another week, incorporates some of the symbols alluded to in the reading. When the candle was blessed at the Easter Vigil, the letters alpha and omega-the first and last of the Greek alphabet-were traced on the candle, a reminder that through his resurrection Jesus is the beginning and the end of all who believe in him. Our life has its origin in him, and he is our final destiny, as is expressed in the selection from Revelation today.

In the hymn sung immediately after the Easter candle is lit, the Exsultet, the deacon sings, "May

the Morning Star which never sets find this flame still burning: Christ, that Morning Star, who came back from the dead, and shed his peaceful light on all humankind." The biblical reference for that are these final words of Revelation.

And the gift of life-giving water that is promised in today's reading to any who thirst is the baptism

that we have been celebrating in these fifty days of Easter, from the newly baptized at the Easter Vigil, to those who have completed their initiation though confirmation and Eucharist, to those of us who have renewed our baptismal vows during this Easter season. We who are baptized in Christ have the right to the tree of life and to enter the city through its gates, as the reading proclaims.

With the author of Revelation, with the saints and elders who gather around the throne, with all

those who have washed their robes and made them white, with all living creatures, we can joyfully

make the final words of Revelation our own: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (22:20).