Daily Readings - Thu Nov 21 2024
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
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.