The Apocalypse speaks of gathering the harvest of the earth and the clusters of grapes. Part of the harvest gathered would certainly be wheat, with which to make bread. The grapes provide us with wine. In a certain way, both bread and wine are part of today's reading.

The author's meaning seems to be that the great harvest represents the coming judgement upon the unholy enemies of the Church. Our time and place in history are very different from those of the author of the Apocalypse, and we face very different difficulties and worries. Yet, the book was written to console and strengthen the Christians in the author's age and that purpose is still effective. We, too, can derive consolation and strength from it.

The mention of bread and wine together will inevitably recall to our minds the consolation of the Eucharist, the bread and wine which become for us the bread of life and the cup of our salvation, the Body and Blood of Christ. God loved us in a special way. He gave us the gift of the Eucharist. Both gifts are God's "Amen" to the work of creation.