Why Does Victory Look Like a Wounded Lamb?

A reflection on Revelation 5:1–10 for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time.

John learns that the Lion of Judah has conquered and will open the sealed scroll. It seems like something magnificent will appear. A strong lion can be an image of victory. But John sees a Lamb, which looks as though it has been killed. The wounds are still visible. This is who heaven worships.

I think this is an unusual image.  The Lamb has authority to open the scroll. The praise of all of heaven is for him. The vision does not promote the ability to crush an opponent. Christ’s victory bears the marks of the violence he endured, one who was crushed himself.

What does this mean for the Church that worships him? We are usually impressed by powerful people, by wealth, or by the ability to make others comply. Sometimes we see this as victories for the faith. This reading from Revelation makes us think again. Does the power we admire resemble his?

The Lamb also makes it difficult to brush away suffering. His wounds do not mean that the violence done to him was good. And it doesn’t mean that if a person or institution is harming us, we need to stay quiet and endure it. The Lamb is standing. The crucified Christ is alive. The violence of his execution does not stop him.

He has redeemed people from all over the world. The song of heaven celebrates a belonging that reaches across borders. His victory does not belong to any one nation.  No powerful group of people gets to decide that the Lamb’s blood was shed only for people like them.

When I look at a crucifix, I am looking at the victorious Lord. I need to think and pray about what this means.  I can ask him to help me let go of any admiration for power or influence. I need to ask for courage that protects people without finding satisfaction in someone else’s defeat.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, wounded and risen, teach me to recognize your power. Keep me from confusing cruelty with strength. Give your Church courage to protect the vulnerable and faithfulness to the love through which you have redeemed us. Amen.