Daily Readings - Thu Nov 22 2018

Revelation

1Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.2And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?"3But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.4I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.5Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals."6Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.7He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.9And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

Luke

41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it42and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes.43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter profound themes of revelation, judgment, and redemption. The first reading from Revelation 5:1-10 presents a vision of Jesus as the Lamb, worthy to open the sealed book. This book symbolizes God's plan and judgment, and only Jesus, through His sacrifice, can unlock it. The scene is one of worship, with creatures and elders praising Jesus for His redemption of all people. The Gospel from Luke 19:41-44 shows Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, lamenting the city's failure to recognize God's visitation, which leads to prophesied destruction. This highlights the sorrow of unmet spiritual awareness. Both readings connect through the theme of recognizing God's presence and plan. Revelation reveals Jesus as the key to understanding God's judgment and redemption, while Luke illustrates the consequences of spiritual blindness. Together, they urge us to be attentive to God's presence in our lives. Just as Jerusalem missed its moment, we must not overlook ours. Jesus' sacrifice, as the Lamb, is central to this understanding, offering redemption and urging us to respond to God's visitation. The moral lesson here is clear: spiritual awareness is crucial. We must recognize and respond to God's presence to avoid spiritual downfall. Let us reflect on our own lives, ensuring we are attentive to God's visitation, embracing His plan, and living in the light of His redemption.