Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 17, 2022
First Reading: Revelation 5.1-10
1Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"3And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it,4and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.5And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."6And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.7And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.8And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.9And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,10and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."
Psalm 149
1Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly!2Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!3Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!4For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.5Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.6Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,7to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples,8to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron,9to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the LORD!
Gospel: Luke 19.41-44
41And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,42saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.43For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side44and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on recognition and redemption. The first reading from Revelation presents a vivid scene where a sealed scroll, symbolizing God’s plan, can only be opened by the Lamb, who is Jesus. This passage underscores Jesus’ role as the redeemer, whose sacrifice makes Him worthy to unfold God’s plan. The second reading from Luke depicts Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, lamenting the city’s failure to recognize the time of their visitation, leading to impending destruction. This passage highlights the consequences of not acknowledging God’s presence and plan.
Both readings, though distinct in context, share a common theme: the importance of recognizing God’s presence and plan. Revelation, with its apocalyptic imagery, reminds us of God’s ultimate victory through Jesus, while Luke’s narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual blindness. Together, they call us to a deeper awareness of God’s will in our lives.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own ability to recognize God’s presence. Just as the Lamb was recognized as worthy, we too must open our hearts to God’s plan. Like the people of Jerusalem, we risk missing opportunities for peace if we fail to see God’s hand at work. Let us seek to understand and follow God’s will, embracing His plan with openness and faith, to avoid the consequences of ignorance and to partake in His redeeming love.