“OUR HELP IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD” (Ps 124:8)

⏰Thursday of the Thirty-Third Week of Ordinary Time 2 (22 Nov 2018 – Memorial of St. Cecilia)

📖Rev 5:1-10; Ps 149:1b-3, 3-4, 5-6a and 9bc (R. Rev 5:10); Luke 19:41-44

Do you understand what the psalmist meant when he says, “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal man who cannot save” (Ps 146:3)? If you are yet to understand that, ask an average Nigerian to define the term, “Politician” to you. You will surely get an answer that would shock you. (Well, not all politicians are bad but the many bad eggs silence the few good ones).

That is what happens when you build your hope around man. Man can fail you but there is one who will not fail you, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who has power to do all things.

Yesterday, we read of how the book of Revelation, in chapter 4, shows God as being the centre of all powers. Today, another image is introduced in chapter 5; something needs to be done for the salvation of man and nobody is found worthy except the Lamb.

Notice that the Lamb is not the one sitting on the throne but he has power to save like the one sitting on the throne; he receives the same kind of worship as the one sitting on the throne (cf. Rev 4:10; 5:8) and has the same number of spirits (Rev 4:5; 5:6).

Does that remind you anything about the doctrine of the Trinity?

Well, take note of some other details in that text. A lamb is normally used for sacrifice and here is the Lamb which appears to have been SLAIN, yet STANDING. And the nature of lambs; this one has seven HORNS (Rev 5:6).

Horns symbolise power in the Old Testament. That shows that the Lamb has great power to the extent of taking up again his life after it was slain. Jesus is that Lamb!

He warns us that trusting in the world instead of in him, the Prince of Peace might mean doom for us (Luke 19:41-44). The decision is yours – to follow him who can save and grant you peace or to follow the world.

Armed with that important knowledge of the power of the Lamb, St. Cecilia refused to give herself up in marriage to a pagan rich king, a marriage that would have been a danger to her soul. She suffered martyrdom for this and today enjoys eternal life. She thus teaches us to make effort to preserve our souls better than care for our bodies.

As you strive to follow Christ, may he make peace to reign in your life and in your home, and may he never allow your feet to stumble. Amen.

Have a blessed day in the protective hands of the Lamb. Peace be with you.