Reflection on Today's Readings, Wednesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time Year II, November 25th, 2020
Texts: Rev. 15:1-4; Psalm 98:1-3.7-9; Luke 21:12-19
Today's first reading reminds us of the two important songs of Moses: Song of victory (Ex. 15:1-18) and song of witness (Deut. 32:1-43). The song of victory was sung after the miracle of the Red Sea while Moses gave the song of witness to round up his ministry among the Israelites. The song of victory is a reminder of God's victory over principalities and evil; God overthrows power, kingdom and evil to win glory for himself. This song of victory has its definitive meaning in Jesus Christ, the lamb of God. The judgement of our Lord at the end of time will bring an end to principalities and evil.
The song of witness is about the manifestation of God's greatness, power, love, mercy and care for us, and our unfaithfulness to God and rejection of his goodness towards us. In the song there is a plea for us to come back to God; God declares that if we had been wise we would have seen his hands in our lives and we would succeed. Foolishness is the denial of God and root of evils, for it is said, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good" (Ps. 14:1). At the coming of our Lord, we shall be judged for our foolishness and evils committed. The song of witness reminds us that we shall have no excuse on the day of judgement, for the goodness of God is evident and our unfaithfulness and rejection of his goodness ever stand before us. Hence, the reading summarizes the song thus: "Great and wonderful are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the ages! Who shall not fear and glorify your name, O Lord? For you alone are holy. All nations shall come and worship you, for your judgements have been revealed."
The gospel reading reminds us of the Lord's presence with us; it opens our eyes to God's hand in our lives. Jesus Christ calls us not to live as if there is no God or in a way that shows our successes are attained by our efforts and wisdom only. Jesus puts it thus: "This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict." It is wisdom to realize that our successes and Victories are from God; they are attained with the help of God and through his wisdom. Let us live every moment of our lives acknowledging God's goodness and greatness in our lives and we will rejoice at his coming.
Lord our God, grant us the grace to be faithful to you and to ever acknowledge your goodness and greatness in our lives. Amen.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
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