Homily: Thursday - 33rd Week in OT 2016 - The Lamb who was slain stands victorious

Throughout the book of Revelation, Jesus is depicted in several different ways. He is described as a lion: the lion of Judah. Back in Genesis, Jacob prophecies that his son Judah, is like a lion, king of beasts. And from Judah will come a ruler, who will receive the homage of the people.

That prophecy is fulfilled partially in King David, a descendent of Judah, but is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whom comes from the line of David and the line of Judah.  Jesus depicted as the Lion of Judah reveals that Jesus a King, the King who brings the everlasting peace God promised.

Jesus, as we heard Monday, is depicted as a cosmic ruler, who walked among the lampstands; he is present to the Churches and among the churches.

Jesus is depicted as a warrior and judge, riding on a white horse leading the heavenly army against the defeat of the beast.

He is depicted as the bridegroom of the Church, who has prepared the Church for heavenly glory by giving her a pure white wedding garment; a symbol of the baptismal garment of his faithful followers.

Though, he is depicted as a lion, as a judge, a warrior, and a king, by far, the most frequent image for Jesus in the book of Revelation is a Lamb.

And as we heard today, he is the lamb. Revelation uses the word “Lamb” to refer to Jesus twenty-eight times. The lamb had been slain. The word “slain” refers to a person killed by violence or of an animal slaughtered for a sacrificial purpose. Jesus is both.

Lamb of God by 50LbHead

Though he is depicted as a slain, sacrificed, brutally murdered victim, we see him standing before the throne. He is standing victorious, with seven horns and seven eyes to symbolize his complete knowledge and power.

Again, Revelation was primarily written to Christians who were being persecuted for their faith, who were being tempted to abandon their faith for the ways of the world. What a powerful image if you are being persecuted! The risen lamb, in the fullness of knowledge and power, victorious over sin and death and the powers of evil in the world, is on your side.

Today at Holy Mass, the consecrated host and chalice are lifted-up, and the priest will proclaim, “behold the Lamb of God.” Jesus comes to us today to share his victory with us, that amidst our temptations, we can be strengthened in persevering and enduring faith, that we may come to share in the glory of his eternal kingdom for the glory of God and salvation of souls.