Daily Readings - Fri Nov 16 2018

⁴I was very glad because I discovered some of your sons walking in the truth, just as we received the commandment from the Father⁵And now I petition you, Lady, not as if writing a new commandment to you, but instead that commandment which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another⁶And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments. For this is the commandment that you have heard in the same way from the beginning, and in which you should walk⁷For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh. Such a one as this is a deceiver and an antichrist⁸Be cautious for yourselves, lest you lose what you have accomplished, and so that, instead, you may receive a full reward⁹Everyone who withdraws and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. Whoever remains in the doctrine, such a one as this has both the Father and the Son

Luke

Chapter 17

²⁶And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of man²⁷They were eating and drinking; they were taking wives and being given in marriage, even until the day that Noah entered the ark. And the flood came and destroyed them all²⁸It shall be similar to what happened in the days of Lot. They were eating and drinking; they were buying and selling; they were planting and building²⁹Then, on the day that Lot departed from Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and it destroyed them all³⁰According to these things, so shall it be in the day when the Son of man will be revealed³¹In that hour, whoever will be on the rooftop, with his goods in the house, let him not descend to take them. And whoever will be in the field, similarly, let him not turn back³²Remember Lot’s wife³³Whoever has sought to save his life, will lose it; and whoever has lost it, will bring it back to life³⁴I say to you, in that night, there will be two in one bed. One will be taken up, and the other will be left behind³⁵Two will be at the grindstone together. One will be taken up, and the other will be left behind. Two will be in the field. One will be taken up, and the other will be left behind.³⁶Responding, they said to him, "Where, Lord?³⁷And he said to them, "Wherever the body will be, in that place also, the eagles shall be gathered together.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are reminded of the importance of fidelity to our faith and preparedness for God’s judgment. The second reading from 2 John emphasizes walking in truth and love, cautioning against false teachings that deny Jesus as the Messiah. It underscores the commandment to love one another, which is rooted in following God’s teachings. The Gospel from Luke uses the examples of Noah and Lot to illustrate the suddenness of God’s judgment, urging us not to be caught off guard and to avoid the temptation to look back, as Lot’s wife did. Both readings are set within contexts that highlight the importance of steadfastness. John’s letter addresses a community facing deception, encouraging them to remain true to the teachings of Christ. Luke’s passage, part of Jesus’ eschatological teachings, reminds us to be vigilant and prepared for the unexpected return of the Son of Man. Together, they call us to live with integrity and moral consistency, adhering to God’s commandments and avoiding complacency. In our daily lives, this means embracing a life of faith and moral living. We are to stay true to our beliefs, avoiding the distractions and false allurements of the world. The moral lesson here is clear: live each day with the mindfulness that it could be our last, staying vigilant and faithful. Let us strive to remain steadfast in our commitment to God, ensuring that our actions and beliefs align with His teachings, ever prepared to meet Him when He comes.