Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 19, 2020
First Reading: Revelation 5.1-10
1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Psalm 149
1Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.2Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.3Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.4For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.5Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.6Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;7To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;8To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;9To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: Luke 19.41-44
41And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,42Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.43For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,44And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful visions and poignant laments that invite us to reflect on God's plan and our response to it. The first reading from Revelation presents a dramatic scene where a sealed book, symbolizing God's plan, can only be opened by the Lamb, who is Jesus. This imagery underscores Jesus' role as the Messiah, worthy of opening the seals and revealing God's will. The passage from Luke, however, shifts our focus to Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, expressing sorrow over the city's failure to recognize the time of its visitation, which foretells its impending destruction.
These readings, while distinct in tone, share a common theme: the recognition of God's presence and plan. Revelation, written in a time of persecution, offers hope to early Christians through the vision of Jesus as the Lamb, emphasizing His divine authority and the unfolding of God's plan. In contrast, Luke's narrative highlights the consequences of spiritual blindness, as Jerusalem's inability to recognize Jesus leads to tragedy. Together, they remind us of the importance of spiritual awareness and the need to discern God's presence in our lives.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to be attentive to God's invitations and to respond with openness and faith. Just as the Lamb in Revelation is worthy to open the seals, we are called to recognize Jesus' presence and allow His will to guide us. Like Jerusalem, we face moments where our response to God's call can lead to either peace or turmoil. Let us reflect on how we welcome God into our hearts and lives, striving to recognize His visitation and embrace His plan, thereby finding peace and avoiding the sorrow of missed opportunities.