The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to praise as we contemplate the glory of God and our mission to act in the Way of Jesus.
The reading from the Book of Revelation is a vision of the Heavenly Worship.
* [4:1–11] The seer now describes a vision of the heavenly court in worship of God enthroned. He reverently avoids naming or describing God but pictures twenty-four elders in priestly and regal attire (Rev 4:4) and God’s throne and its surroundings made of precious gems and other symbols that traditionally express the majesty of God (Rev 4:5–6). Universal creation is represented by the four living creatures (Rev 4:6–7). Along with the twenty-four elders, they praise God unceasingly in humble adoration (Rev 4:8–11).
* [4:7] Lion,calf,human being,eagle: these symbolize, respectively, what is noblest, strongest, wisest, and swiftest in creation. Calf: traditionally translated “ox,” the Greek word refers to a heifer or young bull. Since the second century, these four creatures have been used as symbols of the evangelists Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John, respectively. (Revelation, CHAPTER 4, n.d.)
Psalm 150 is praise for God’s Surpassing Greatness.
* [Psalm 150] The Psalm is a closing doxology both for the fifth book of the Psalms (Ps 107–149) and for the Psalter as a whole. Temple musicians and dancers are called to lead all beings on earth and in heaven in praise of God. The Psalm proclaims to whom praise shall be given, and where (Ps 150:1); what praise shall be given, and why (Ps 150:2); how praise shall be given (Ps 150:3–5), and by whom (Ps 150:6). (Psalms, PSALM 150, n.d.)
The Gospel of Luke is the Parable of the Ten Pounds.
* [19:11–27] In this parable Luke has combined two originally distinct parables: (1) a parable about the conduct of faithful and productive servants (Lk 19:13, 15b–26) and (2) a parable about a rejected king (Lk 19:12, 14–15a, 27). The story about the conduct of servants occurs in another form in Mt 25:14–20. The story about the rejected king may have originated with a contemporary historical event. After the death of Herod the Great, his son Archelaus traveled to Rome to receive the title of king. A delegation of Jews appeared in Rome before Caesar Augustus to oppose the request of Archelaus. Although not given the title of king, Archelaus was made ruler over Judea and Samaria. As the story is used by Luke, however, it furnishes a correction to the expectation of the imminent end of the age and of the establishment of the kingdom in Jerusalem (Lk 19:11). Jesus is not on his way to Jerusalem to receive the kingly power; for that, he must go away and only after returning from the distant country (a reference to the parousia) will reward and judgment take place. (Luke, CHAPTER 19, n.d.)
Steve Scholer comments that the Catholic Church identifies 12 such gifts from the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. Consider how much better the world would be, if we would remind ourselves each day of these precious gifts and work to grow them through the way in which we live our lives and interact with others.
If we were to exhibit more patience, kindness and gentleness to others, would not our example instill in the beneficiaries of our actions a like response, and in essence, grow our gift?
If we would be more generous with our time, talent and treasure, would not these charitable acts show others the joy and goodness that come from helping those in need?
If we tempered our conversation and listened more than we spoke on the hot-button issues of our times, would this modesty and self-control lead to a better understanding of one another?
So, as we go about our all too hectic lives, let’s remember not to waste our gifts, but to put our God-given gifts to good use, to grow these wonderful gifts by the example we provide to our family, co-workers, and friends. Through us, they might realize they, too, have these same wonderful gifts to benefit not only themselves but all with whom they come into contact. (Scholer, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “Talents are divine gifts given to the faithful,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"To those who believe in him, the Savior distributes a variety of divine gifts. We affirm that this is the meaning of the talent. Truly great is the difference between those who receive the talents and those who have even completely denied his kingdom. They are rebels that throw off the yoke of his scepter, while the others are endowed with the glory of serving him. As faithful servants, therefore, they are entrusted with their Lord's wealth. They gain something by doing business. They earn the praises due to faithful service, and they are considered worthy of eternal honors." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 129) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Revelation 4:1-11 comments that the priest even mentions this choir at the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer: “With angels and archangels, with thrones and dominions, and with all the hosts and powers of heaven, we sing the hymn” of God’s glory. With them! At every single Mass, millions of saints and angels come and join us—not in silent contemplation, but in joyful songs of worship to our saving God.
During every Mass, your church, however humble it may seem, is transformed into a gleaming sanctuary. The people around you, however imperfect they (and you) are, stand bathed in heavenly glory. If only for those few moments, let the cares of this life melt away. Lift up your heart to the Lord!
“Lord, you have always been, and you always will be, the eternal God and my heavenly Father. Praise be to you forever!” (Meditation on Revelation 4:1-11, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler discusses the symbols of colour, Scripture references, and the living creatures in the vision from Revelation. Faith grows when it is exercised and can be lost when it is hidden. Friar Jude shares the later association of the Revelation vision with the Evangelists.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces community organizer Idalin Luz Montes Bobé who draws inspiration from the Holy Spirit’s energy shared on the first Pentecost.
To prophesy is to carry a message of the mind of God to a particular situation. God’s mind is always on justice, on the end of oppression, on fully living. This empowerment, carrying God’s unmistakable message, is exactly what happens when movements for liberation take root. . . .
Our systems try to shame us, silence us, and divide us, but the Holy Spirit unites us and imparts the ability to deliver a message. We will not be divided, ridiculed, or vilified. We all have messages about defending life—messages that God wants others to hear. The Holy Spirit is moving in our midst. [1] (Rohr, 2022)
Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder describes the spiritual revival that joined people of different races in the Pentecostal movement.
The greatest manifestation of the power of God comes when we work together to find ways to be together and do justice together and love together and stand together.
In 1906 in Los Angeles a revival broke out in a small mission on Azusa Street, led by Rev. William J. Seymour. This revival marked the beginning of the modern day Pentecostal movement. The event has been reduced over time to a group of people displaying external “signs and wonders” such as speaking in tongues, healings, and prophecy, with little meaning to most people today. But the power of that Pentecostal revival was not in the external manifestations of speaking in tongues and healings but in the miracle of black and white people worshipping together, men and women preaching together and decrying racism and sexism by their very presence in one place. The Spirit still moves when we move past our prejudices and differences. [2] (Rohr, 2022)
We are gifted by the Spirit with talents to live fully for the Glory of God in the love, mercy, peace, and compassion we share with others.
References
Luke, CHAPTER 19. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?
Meditation on Revelation 4:1-11. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/11/16/534964/
Psalms, PSALM 150. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/150?1
Revelation, CHAPTER 4. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/4?1
Rohr, R. (2022, November 16). The Spirit Moves Us to Justice — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-moves-us-to-justice-2022-11-16/
Scholer, S. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111622.html
Schwager, D. (n.d.). They Did Not Want Me to Reign over Them. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=nov16
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