Daily Readings - Thu Nov 17 2022
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 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.