Friday, November 18, 2022

Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 10:8-11; Luke 19:45-48)

The reading from the Book of Revelation pictures John, the seer, swallowing a scroll from an angel.  The scroll containing prophecy tastes like honey in the seer’s mouth because it contains news of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin.  However, it upsets his stomach because it also tells of the suffering the people of God will have to endure.  The reading concludes with someone telling John to prophecy about peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.  John will relate this prophecy as a battle narrative showing the victory of the Lambs’ forces over evil.

Revelation comes from the Greek word apokalipsis which literally means folding back the veil.  It is the story of the future which only God knows although He can share it with others.  We should hear in the coming days of evil being annihilated so that the children of God may live in the glory of God.

Like the scroll that the seer swallows, our experience in life as Christians is bittersweet.  We know of Christ’s love for us best shown on the cross and in its extension in the Eucharist.  We also know that we must endure hardship to be true to him.  But victory is assured because Christ is more powerful than any of evil.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious

(Revelation 5:1-10; Luke 19:41-44)

At the beginning of John’s Gospel, John the Baptist calls Jesus the “Lamb of God.’”  He is prophesying that Jesus will be slain as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.  It is no accident that the same evangelist pictures Jesus’ dying on the cross at noon.  Exactly at this moment lambs are being slaughtered in the temple for the Passover feast to atone for the sins of the people.  In today’s first reading the Lamb appears as uniquely capable of accomplishing another momentous feat.

The scene foreshadows Jesus’ victory over sin and death at the end of time.  The issue is who can open the scroll in the hand of God.  The scroll contains the narrative of how sin and death will be defeated.  The narrative, however, cannot proceed until the scroll is open.  The visionary John sheds tears because sin and death are wreaking havoc when no one comes forth to do it.  Finally, the spotless Lamb of God, takes the scroll.  He will initiate the campaign to annihilate evil.

The Book of Revelation was written to assure Christians that God is in control despite the suffering they experience.  The author wanted to tell those under persecution that their rescue is near.  We too should find hope in the story.  We might have thought that there was a consensus against abortion and gay marriage despite what the sophisticated say.  The recent elections indicate that America and perhaps the world is deeply divided on these issues.  Nevertheless, we should realize that Christ will see us through the difficult struggle.  His light will remove the darkness that surrounds the globe.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

 Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 4:1-11; Luke 19:11-28)

What does heaven look like?  Today’s first reading gives an idea using symbols.  It is the worship of God (who is not pictured because He is so holy).  Twenty-four elders on thrones symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel along with the twelve apostles comprise the first line of praise. Then there are the seven spirits of God, appearing as torches, stand in wait of a command.  They are related to the gifts of the Holy Spirit that prompt us to do good. 

The four living creatures resembling a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle denote the best of creation – nobility, strength, insight, and swiftness.  They are covered with eyes to indicate God’s care for creation.  These images have been used for the four evangelists.  Their worship specifies gratitude for all creation.

At mass on Sunday, we form a body that also gives praise to God for creation.  We thank God for the goods of the earth, the sea, and the skies.  We worship Him as well for the spiritual help that He sends our way.  Most of all, we honor God for His Son who saved us from our folly in the created order.  Revelation’s attention turns to him in its next section.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

 (Optional) Memorial of Saint Albert, the Great, bishop and Doctor of the Church

(Revelation 3:1-6.14-22; Luke 19:1-10)

Today’s reading from the Book of Revelation presents Christ’s letters to the Churches of Sardis and Laodicea. Nothing positive is said of either.  He calls the Church of Sardis “dead” even though it has a favorable reputation.  From what the letter says about soiled garments, many in the church were sinning egregiously. Christ then makes a prophetic denunciation to the Church of Laodicea.  He says that its members think of themselves as rich but are poor in his sight.  He relates to them the famous image of himself knocking at the door and waiting to be let in.

In contrast to these churches of ill repute, today we celebrate St. Albert, the only man designated as “Great” in the High Middle Ages.  As a scientist philosopher, philosopher, and theologian few in any period of history could match his wisdom.  One person who did outdo Albert in his own lifetime was his student, St. Thomas Aquinas.

As much as our works may resemble those of Sardis and Laodicea’s Christians, we are edified by those of Albert the Great.  Sanctity as much as scholarship demands effort on our part.  We must strive to be holy by prayer, penance, and many good deeds.

Monday, November 14, 2022

 Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 1:1-4.2:1-5; Luke 18:35-43)

As the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church turns to the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible.  Revelation or Apocalypse literally means “lift the veil”; that is, the veil of the future or of some mystery.  The Book of Revelation was probably written during a period of intense Roman persecution when hope was waning.  It provides a vision of Christ’s, and not human, forces bringing about victory. 

Today’s reading gives the introduction of the work and the letter dictated by the Lord to the Church of Ephesus.  The message is largely positive.  Although Ephesian Christians have endured much suffering, they have maintained faith in Christ.  They have one flaw, however.  They have lost an enthusiastic love for Christ.  Practice of the faith may be as much a chore for the people as it is a joy.

All the challenges related in the seven letters at the beginning of the book have resonance today.  We can see a loss of love for Christ as Catholics skip Sunday mass to attend a football game or because they are on vacation.  If we are really in love with Christ, how could we think of missing the best opportunity of the week to be with him?