Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 17, 2022
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 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.