Divine Life: A Call to Grace – Nov 25 – Homily – Dcn Isaac

 

Deacon Isaac Siefker gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 25, 2024, on how living in God’s grace through baptism, confession, and the Eucharist leads to divine union and eternal happiness.

He began by reflecting on the Book of Revelation, focusing on the symbolism of the 144,000 virgins and the name of God written on their foreheads. He explained the number 144,000 as representing completeness and perfection, derived from Jewish numerological significance of 12, multiplied to signify fullness. This group, standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion, symbolizes the entirety of the saved, emphasizing that it does not limit salvation to this number but represents the elect.

The name of God on their foreheads symbolizes a profound sharing in God's nature, called divinization, also known as theosis. This concept of participating in God’s divine life is grounded in Scripture, as noted in passages such as Psalm 82:6 - "You are gods, children of the Most High" and Galatians 2:20 - "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." He referenced 2 Peter 1:4 about partaking in the divine nature.

He emphasized that baptism initiates this shared life with God, washing away sin and granting divine life. However, this life can be lost through mortal sin, which requires confession to restore. The Eucharist nourishes and brightens this divine life.

Father concluded by urging us to prioritize remaining in a state of grace and to continually seek a deeper union with God, likened to ever-brightening light. This state of grace ensures eternal life with God, as represented by the imagery of the virgins singing a new hymn before the Lamb.

For Further Reading:
Psalm 82:6 - You are gods, children of the Most High - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/82?6
Galatians 2:20 - Christ lives in me - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/2?20
2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers in the divine nature - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2peter/1?4
CCC 1213 - Sacrament of Baptism - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm
CCC 1468 - Sacrament of Confession - https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm
CCC 1391 - Sacrament of Eucharist - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a3.htm

00:00 - Intro
00:11 - Symbolism of 144,000 Virgins
01:45 - God's Name and Divine Nature
02:24 - Concept of Divinization Explained
05:20 - Living the Life of Heaven
06:03 - Overcoming Mortal Sin
07:52 - Baptism and Covenant with God
10:34 - Final Encouragement: Keep the Lamp Lit

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Catherine of Alexandria - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=341
Readings: Monday in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/112524.cfm
1st: rev 14:1-3, 4-5
Resp: psa 24:1-6
Gsp: luk 21:1-4

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1204&r=1003

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