Homily on Wednesday, 33rd Week in OT, 20 November 2024, DBPH Chapel, Talamban
Two women impressed me most this past week, both of them weakened by sickness and old age: one of them I met in her home last Sunday, and the other I met last night in the hospital. Both of them had been longing to receive Jesus in Holy Communion but had been prevented from doing so already for weeks or even months. So when I finally came bringing the sacrament of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, they got so excited. And when they finally received Holy Communion, their faces changed and began to glow with inexpressible joy.
We are almost at the end of the liturgical year. By this Sunday we shall be celebrating the solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe.
Coincidentally in the first reading of today’s Mass (Rev 4:1-11), we get a glimpse of what John saw in a vision of heaven where Christ is reigning as King and Lord of all. He is surrounded by twenty-four other thrones on which twenty-four elders sat presumably referring to the twelve sons of Israel (Jacob) and the twelve apostles of Jesus, all of them representing the Old Testament and the New Testament respectively. Four other living creatures were seen before the throne resembling a lion, a calf, a man and an eagle. With them, the twenty-four elders throw down their crowns before the throne to give glory, honor and thanks to the King who sits on the throne and lives forever.
Surprisingly what John saw in his vision was in line with the parable which we have heard in the gospel today (Lk 19:11-28). The Lord, when he narrated it, was actually nearing Jerusalem where, as King of love and mercy, he would triumph over all his enemies by laying down his life on the cross. In that parable Jesus described the reign of a nobleman who would generously reward his faithful and responsible servants. But he would also sentence to a just punishment those who refuse to be at his service. Like other parables of Jesus it is as disturbing as it is challenging and consoling.
We pray, therefore, that, as we receive Jesus in this Eucharist and strive to serve him faithfully every single day, we may also be numbered among the countless faithful who now reign with Christ, our King, for all eternity. I’m sure that when that day comes our joy will be indescribable. GiGsss!
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