Daily Readings - Thu Nov 21 2024
Revelation
1And in the right hand of the One sitting upon the throne, I saw a book, written inside and out, sealed with seven seals2And I saw a strong Angel, proclaiming with a great voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?3And no one was able, neither in heaven, nor on earth, nor under the earth, to open the book, nor to gaze upon it4And I wept greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book, nor to see it5And one of the elders said to me: "Weep not. Behold, the lion from the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has prevailed to open the book and to break its seven seals.6And I saw, and behold, in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb was standing, as if it were slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God, sent forth to all the earth7And he approached and received the book from the right hand of the One sitting upon the throne8And when he had opened the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having stringed instruments, as well as golden bowls full of fragrances, which are the prayers of the saints9And they were singing a new canticle, saying: "O Lord, you are worthy to receive the book and to open its seals, because you were slain and have redeemed us for God, by your blood, from every tribe and language and people and nation10And you have made us into a kingdom and into priests for our God, and we shall reign over the earth.
Luke
41And when he drew near, seeing the city, he wept over it, saying42"If only you had known, indeed even in this your day, which things are for your peace. But now they are hidden from your eyes43For the days will overtake you. And your enemies will encircle you with a valley. And they will surround you and hem you in on every side44And they will knock you down to the ground, with your sons who are in you. And they will not leave stone upon stone within you, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of recognition, redemption, and the profound mystery of God’s plan. In the first reading from Revelation, we encounter a dramatic scene where a sealed book is presented before the throne of God. No one in heaven or on earth is worthy to open it, and the narrator weeps at this impasse. Yet, hope emerges in the form of the Lamb, who is revealed as the one worthy to break the seals. This Lamb, though slain, is full of life and power, and the heavenly court erupts in worship, celebrating the redemption he has won for all people. The Lamb is Christ, who through his sacrifice has made us a kingdom and priests for God.
In the Gospel, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting that its people did not recognize “the time of your visitation.” Jesus foresaw the destruction that would come upon the city because its inhabitants failed to see the peace God offered them in that moment. This passage is a poignant reminder of the consequences of spiritual blindness and the importance of discerning God’s presence in our lives. Just as Jerusalem missed its opportunity, we too are called to examine whether we recognize the ways God is present to us and calling us to conversion.
These readings are deeply connected. In Revelation, we see the ultimate triumph of Christ, who opens the sealed book of history and destiny. In Luke, we see the sorrow of Christ over those who fail to recognize the gift of salvation he offers. Together, they challenge us to live with eyes and hearts open to God’s presence. Let us ask ourselves: Do we recognize the ways God is speaking to us today? Are we attentive to the opportunities for peace and grace that he offers? May we, like the Lamb, be willing to surrender ourselves to God’s plan, and may we, unlike Jerusalem, not miss the time of our visitation.