The Feast of St Elizabeth of Hungary | Thursday 17 November 2022

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Today is Thursday the 17th of November, the feast of St Elizabeth of Hungary, in the 33rd week of Ordinary time.

Checko Ankrah and Nicky Lathbridge sing, ‘High and Lifted’.

You are worthy to be praised

You are worthy to be praised

You are high and lifted up

You are high and lifted up

You are high and lifted up

Oh Lord

You are high and lifted up

We're surrounded by Your presence, oh God

You are high and lifted up

Your glory fills

Your glory fills the space, oh God

You are high and lifted up

I hear the sound of angels

I hear the sound of Heaven

I see Your glory fill this place, oh God

You are high, You are high and lifted up

Today’s reading is from the Book of the Apocalypse.

Apoc 5:1-10

Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’

Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song:

‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.’

The book of Revelation is full of vivid scenes like this one. The seer of the vision weeps bitterly because no one of the human race is worthy to break open the scroll. But Jesus the Lamb of God has entered our human condition and can break down every barrier between us and God. How does this make you feel?

There are strong words in this reading. Jesus the Lamb of God has been slaughtered and has ransomed us by his blood. How do you react to those words and images? Is there anything challenging for you in imagining the price he paid for our salvation?

As we hear the reading again, notice what feelings or images and responses it provokes within you. Can you stay with them?

The elders sing a song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lamb of God. How do you feel like responding to this scene? It may be with praise or with more mixed reactions. Whatever they are, take time to talk and respond to God.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.