In the Heart of the Apocalypse
Wednesday, October 29 • The Week of the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost • In the Heart of the Apocalypse • Revelation 5.1-10
“Then one of the elders said, to me, ‘Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, has conquered so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
In John’s vision, the scroll is sealed. God’s purpose is held in mystery. History is waiting for its meaning. None in heaven or earth can open it, and all of creation holds its breath. But then, in the stillness, the Lamb appears. The Lamb is wounded yet reigning. Weakness is enthroned as wisdom. The Lion of Judah is a slain Lamb. Power is redefined by mercy. Every tear of sacrifice, every act of love, every declaration that sins forgiven, becomes part of the song that fills heaven: “Worthy is the Lamb.” Here we learn that redemption unfolds not through domination but through the beauty of the self-giving love of the God of everyone and everything. That’s when Christ’s pierced hands open the story of the world.
Now, Emmylou Harris offers up a Prayer in Open D for the facing the end of this world and the beginning of the next.
Liturgy for Life
Did you know you can find a guide for daily devotions in the Book of Common Prayer? Check it out, starting on page 136. The daily and Sunday passages of the Bible can be found in the Lectionary. Check it our, starting on page 888 and 934.
Need a Prayer Book? We have them in the pews. You can borrow one. You can find your own in All Saints Gift Shoppe.
