TO JESUS - THE LAMB THAT WAS SACRIFICED - HONOUR, GLORY AND BLESSING

III EASTER SUNDAY - Apocalypse 5:11-14

In the book of Revelation, everything is extraordinary, in such a way that there is no human language able to fully describe it; that’s why we are presented with strange images and symbols, which make it possible to go beyond words. In this Sunday liturgy, we are told of a huge gathering, in which the whole creation takes part, singing with one voice the praises of God and of the Lamb.

The Lamb is Jesus Christ. John the Baptist had already called him so: “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). Jesus is the Passover lamb that brings reconciliation, peace and liberation by offering himself in sacrifice. Jesus Christ is “the Lamb that was sacrificed” (Rev 5:12) for our sake. That’s why

he “is worthy to be given power, 

riches, wisdom, strength, 

honour, glory and blessing!”

And all proclaimed at one voice:

“To the One who is sitting on the throne 

and to the Lamb, 

be all praise, honour, glory and power, 

for ever and ever.” (Rev 5:13)

Jesus Christ is a lamb, not a wolf or lion. He suffered violence and death, and never imposed himself by inflicting violence and death on those who refused him or turned against him.

Following in his footsteps, the Apostles had the same attitude. When the leaders of the people tried to stop them from preaching, they answered: “Obedience to God comes before obedience to men”. (Act 5:29). By disobeying the strict orders given to them, they incurred harsh punishment, but they were happy:

“And so they left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name.” (Act 5:41).

Nowadays, there are organised groups which claim obedience and total submission to God, killing innocent people in God’s name. That is a total aberration and a mockery of God and of a pretentious submission to God. The Apostles rejoiced because they could suffer for their faithfulness to the way of Jesus Christ.  Their submission to God’s will led them to suffering and death and never to inflict suffering on others. By doing that, they become true followers of the Lamb.

After his resurrection, Jesus asked a very important question to Peter: Do you love me more than these others do?

This is the question that each one of us is asked. In the end, to follow Jesus is not a question of obedience and submission, but a question of love. Faith is a relationship of love, in which we accept God’s love and give ourselves back to him with all heart. In spite of having denied Jesus, Peter answered: Yes, Lord, you know I love you.

Surely, he knows! But like in any human relationship, the beloved wants to hear from my lips that I love Him.

Peter felt upset, when Jesus asked him three times the same question. Indeed, he goes on and on asking us the same question, and we cannot get tired of answering back: Lord, you know that I love you. In spite of failures and shortcomings, we love you.

However, this love cannot be just platonic love; it must lead to commitment and service. That’s why Jesus told Peter: Feed my lambs, look after my sheep, feed my sheep. Jesus did not entrust Peter with authority, but with service, and his authority will depend on his attitude of service. In the end, Peter will go through the last test - he will become like his master, suffering violence and death for his love and faithfulness to Jesus Christ. 

Let us remember all Christians who suffer persecution for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. May the Lord strengthen them and keep them faithful to the end.