Daily Readings - Thu Nov 21 2024
Revelation
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.
Luke
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
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.