It is 16th November 2016. The readings are from Rev. 4:1-11; and the Gospel from Luke 19:11-28. The first reading presents the vision and the glory of Heaven with innumerable symbolism. St. John sees the vision of Heaven. It is given in two parts. One part will be reflected today and the rest will be for tomorrow. The majesty and grandeur of God as presented in Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1-2, and Daniel 7. God dwells in unapproachable light. The 24 elders representing the people of God with their leaders as the 12 Apostles and 12 tribes. The four creatures symbolically representing the four Gospels- the lion for Mark, the ox for Luke, the man for Matthew, and the eagle for John; in addition to that four animals show the entire nature serves and worships God. The lion – the noblest, the bull – the strongest, the man –the wisest and the eagle –the swiftest revealing the glory of God. The rainbow reminds the covenant God made with the humanity; the seven lamps and the seven spirits of God are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Thunder and lightning retells the presence of God as on Sinai. This passage offers a tremendous and a strong hope to those Christians who are persecuted for the sake of faith. Reminding them that it is worth suffering for the faith in Jesus in order to experience and enjoy the glory revealed in the book of Revelation. All in Heaven is in unity singing God and praising the holiness and the might of God. The responsorial Psalm praises God, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty; God was, God is and God is to come.” (Rev. 4:8). The Tre Sanctus is used in Holy Eucharist daily. The Gospel points out through the parable that God is not interested in our lip-service rather our active participation with whatever God has entrusted to us. It does not matter how much we have been given but what we do with them by which we will be rewarded all the more by God. Comparing with the others, complaining about the rest, criticising every micro matter do not help us in any way. Let us put to use all that is entrusted for the service of God. May you have a good day.