Daily Readings - Thu Nov 21 2024
Revelation
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."
Luke
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
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.