Daily Reflection, November 21, 2024

Reflection:

The readings offer profound insights into the nature of Jesus’ redemptive work, the role of God’s people in the world, and the call to peace amidst suffering and turmoil.

Revelation, presents us with a cosmic scene where John sees a scroll in the right hand of God, sealed with seven seals. The Lamb (Jesus) is the only one worthy to open it, because through his sacrificial death humankind was redeemed – “every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev 5:9,). This emphasizing the universality of Jesus’ redemptive work, transcending national, ethnic, and social boundaries.

Through the sacrificial death of the Lamb (Jesus) humanity is redeemed and a new people are formed, a “kingdom of priests,” who are empowered to serve.

In the context of the current global situation—marked by geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and widespread suffering—this image of the Lamb who redeems all nations speaks to the inclusive, all-encompassing nature of God’s salvation. No matter how fractured the world may seem, the work of Christ unites people from every corner of the earth, calling us to work for peace and reconciliation, as His sacrifice has torn down the walls that divide us.

Psalm 149 echoes the same theme of God’s people being set apart to serve Him. This psalm celebrates the victory and joy of God’s faithful, who are called to praise Him with music, dancing, and songs.

In today’s context, the psalm’s proclamation that the Lamb has “made us a kingdom of priests” is of great significance. It points to the ongoing mission of Christians to serve as agents of God’s kingdom, spreading His peace and justice. As priests, we are called not only to worship God but also to mediate His presence in the world, working toward the restoration of all things.

In Luke 19:41-44, as Jesus approaches Jerusalem and sees the city, He weeps over it, lamenting that the people did not recognize the time of their visitation. He says, “If only you knew on what your peace depends” (Luke 19:42,). This passage underscores the tragic failure of Jerusalem to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, who came to bring peace—not through political revolution but through spiritual transformation.

Jesus’ lament is a sobering reflection on humanity’s blindness to the true source of peace. In the context of the global crisis today, this message is especially poignant. We live in a world where many seek peace through political or military means, economic reform, or technological advancement. While these are important, Jesus teaches that true peace depends on recognizing Him as the Prince of Peace, the one who has made it possible for humanity to be reconciled to God and one another.

The refusal of Jerusalem to recognize Christ’s offer of peace led to its eventual destruction in 70 AD. This serves as a warning for us today. In a world rife with conflict and division, the failure to acknowledge Jesus as the source of true peace results in further turmoil and suffering. Jesus weeps not only for Jerusalem but for all of humanity when we fail to recognize the depth of God’s redemptive work through the “Lamb who was slain”.

In todays readings we are provided with a framework for understanding our role as Christians in the current global crisis. Revelation 5:1-10 shows us that Christ’s death redeems all peoples, not just a specific nation or group. Psalm 149 calls Christians to be a “kingdom of priests” who bring God’s justice and peace into the world. Luke 19:41-44 reminds us that peace comes only through the recognition of Jesus as the Prince of Peace.

We live in a world marked by division, political instability, social unrest, and ecological crises. While these challenges may seem insurmountable, the Christian message offers hope. The Lamb who was slain has not only redeemed humanity but has empowered us to work for peace and justice in His name. We are called to be His agents, proclaiming the message of reconciliation and working to bring about the kingdom of God on earth.

Today’s texts challenge us to understand our identity as redeemed people called to be agents of peace and justice. They remind us that true peace is found in recognizing the Lamb that was slain, and that our ultimate mission is to serve as a “kingdom of priests,” working to bring about God’s kingdom here and now. As we face the complexities of the modern world, we are called to be faithful witnesses of Jesus’ redemptive work, offering hope to a broken world.

Michael Schiano has been a member of St. Brigid’s parish since 1990. As a parish member he has served on the Parish Pastoral Council, Liturgy Committee, Bereavement Team and is a member of the Passionist Companions. He has been an educator in the Archdiocese and has held positions in middle management and executive leadership positions. He currently works in Aged Care in the roles of Pastoral Care Co-Ordinator and Chaplaincy at Brigidine House, Randwick; St. Anne’s Hunters Hill; Pastoral Care Officer at Calvary Ryde.