34th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 27th November 2024 – Rev 15,1-4; Lk 21,12-19
New Song of Deliverance
The apocalyptic vision of John in the first reading presents the righteous people singing the praises of God; it is a new song of Moses. The original “Song of Moses” was sung by the Israelites during the first Exodus (Ex 15,1-18). It commemorates Israel’s deliverance and Egypt’s destruction. It is a hymn of praise to the Lord, who is hailed as Saviour (Ex 15,2), Warrior (Ex 15,3) Redeemer (Ex 15,13) and King (Ex 15,18). These characteristics are also echoed in the new song, where the saints celebrate a new Exodus from the sin and slavery of the world. The martyrs and true believers are the ultimate witnesses of their faith. Since they remained faithful unto death in the great tribulation and trials, now they are privileged to sing God’s praises. They are the nucleus of the final kingdom. Their song celebrates joyfully the greatness of God (Rev 15,4). They extoll the Lord as performing great and amazing deeds, just and true in His ways. It is called the song of the Lamb because it is about the victory achieved through the blood of the Lamb, who ransomed humanity for God.
