Meditation: Revelation 11:4-12
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Saint Clement I, Pope and Martyr (Optional Memorial)
Entrance Antiphon
This holy man fought to the death for the law of his God
and did not fear the words of the godless,
for he was built on solid rock.
OR
The Lord granted him a stern struggle,
that he might know that wisdom is mightier than all else. Cf. Wis 10:12
Collect
Almighty ever-living...
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Daily Meditation: Revelation 11:4-12
They went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on. (Revelation 11:12)
Today’s first reading tells of “two witnesses” who appear to be testifying for God and calling for repentance (Revelation 11:3). We don’t know if they represent the ancient figures Moses and Elijah or if they stand for the prophetic role of the Church, but we do know that they are not popular. In fact, they are so disliked that when a “beast” kills them, everyone celebrates their demise (Revelation 11:7, 10)!
It’s a fascinating story, but how does it speak to us? After all, few of us will be martyred for our faith. Granted, many of us suffer in less dramatic ways. We can feel at odds with the culture around us. Or maybe friends or family members who don’t share our convictions occasionally deride our faith. But that’s nothing compared to the fate of these two brave witnesses.
The real application comes at the end of this passage, when these witnesses are raised up to heaven “in a cloud” (Revelation 11:12). Even though they are killed, they still triumph! Their story tells us that anyone who stays faithful to Jesus will ultimately share in his resurrection. It’s a story of hope against all odds, a story of the victory of faith.
We might struggle to trust in that victory. We might struggle even more when we consider our own personal sin and our own fears about suffering and death. But this passage assures us that our all-powerful, merciful God can overcome everything that stands in our way—even sin, even death.
God accomplished his will through the two witnesses. He protected them during their mission, and when death came for them, it didn’t overpower them. Similarly, God has called you to be his witness, and he will help you fulfill that call. You belong to him, and that means that you belong to heaven. May we all hold onto our hope and trust in his love!
“Jesus, help me to place my life in your hands, whatever happens!”
Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10
Luke 20:27-40
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