November 21st, 2004, Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A reading from the Book of Revelation.

I, John, saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who sat on the throne.

It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.

Then I saw a mighty angel who proclaimed in a loud voice, who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals? But no one in heaven or on earth or

under the earth was able to open the scroll or to examine it. I shed many tears because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to examine it. I shed many tears because no one was found worthy to open the scroll

or to examine it. One of the elders said to me, Do not weep. The lion of the tribe of Judah,

the root of David, has triumphed, enabling him to open the scroll with its seven seals.

Then I saw standing in the midst of the throne

and the four living creatures and the elders, a lamb that seemed to have been slain. He had

seven horns and seven eyes. These are the seven spirits of God sent out into the whole world.

He came and received the scroll from the right hand of the

one who sat on the throne. When he took it, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down

before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the

prayers of the Holy Ones. They sang a new hymn.

Worthy are you to receive the scroll and break open its seals,

for you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue,

people and nation.

You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth.

The word of the Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm.

The response is,

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