The Heavenly Liturgy and the Beatitudes: Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo on the Solemnity of All Saints

 

How does the Book of Revelation reveal the eternal connection between earthly worship and the heavenly liturgy, and why are Christians called to live as saints here and now? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes back Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo, founder and executive director of the Institute of Catholic Culture, to preview the readings for the Solemnity of All Saints (November 1).

Fr. Carnazzo breaks down the historical and liturgical context of Revelation 7, explaining how St. John, exiled on the island of Patmos, was given a vision of the heavenly mass while "in the Spirit on the Lord's Day." Fr. Carnazzo unpacks the symbol of the 144,000 as representing the 12 tribes of Israel and highlights the uncounted multitude from every nation, offering comfort to persecuted early Christians by proving that the martyrs who died for Christ are alive in His presence.

Connecting this "realized eschatology" to the Catholic Mass, Fr. Carnazzo reminds listeners that every Sunday liturgy unveils heaven on earth, surrounding believers with angels and saints. Finally, examining the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and 1 John 3, he emphasizes that sanctity is not merely a future hope after death, but an active identity as children of God calling us to citizenship in the Kingdom of God today. Stream now to listen!