Daily Readings - Sun Dec 02 2018

¹⁴Behold, the days are approaching, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the good word that I have spoken to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah¹⁵In those days and at that time, I will cause the seedling of justice to spring up from David, and he will accomplish judgment and justice upon the earth¹⁶In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in confidence. And this is the name that they will call him: ‘The Lord, our Just One.

1 Thessalonians

Chapter 3

¹²And may the Lord multiply you, and make you abound in your charity toward one another and toward all, just as we also do toward you¹³in order to confirm your hearts without blame, in sanctity, before God our Father, unto the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints. Amen

Chapter 4

¹Therefore, concerning other things, brothers, we ask and beg you, in the Lord Jesus, that, just as you have received from us the way in which you ought to walk and to please God, so also may you walk, in order that you may abound all the more²For you know what precepts I have given to you through the Lord Jesus

Luke

Chapter 21

²⁵And there will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars. And there will be, on earth, distress among the Gentiles, out of confusion at the roaring of the sea and of the waves²⁶men withering away out of fear and out of apprehension over the things that will overwhelm the whole world. For the powers of the heavens will be moved²⁷And then they will see the Son of man coming on a cloud, with great power and majesty²⁸But when these things begin to happen, lift up your heads and look around you, because your redemption draws near.³⁴But be attentive to yourselves, lest perhaps your hearts may be weighed down by self-indulgence and inebriation and the cares of this life. And then that day may overwhelm you suddenly³⁵For like a snare it will overwhelm all those who sit upon the face of the entire earth³⁶And so, be vigilant, praying at all times, so that you may be held worthy to escape from all these things, which are in the future, and to stand before the Son of man.

Sermon

In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of hope, preparation, and vigilance as we await the Lord's return. The Prophet Jeremiah speaks of a future time when God will fulfill His promise of justice and redemption, symbolized by a shoot from David—Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us of the enduring hope that God's promises bring, even in uncertain times. The Second Reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to live lives of love and holiness, abounding in charity and pleasing God as we wait for the Lord's return. It emphasizes the importance of moral living and being prepared, highlighting our responsibility to live in a way that reflects our faith. The Gospel from Luke vividly describes the end times, urging us to remain vigilant and prayerful. It cautions against being weighed down by worldly concerns, reminding us to stay alert and focused on our spiritual lives. Together, these readings remind us to live with hope, preparing for the future by staying grounded in our faith and being ready to stand before the Son of Man. As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's promises, live with moral integrity, and remain vigilant. Let us embrace the hope of redemption, live with purpose, and stay spiritually alert, ever ready to meet our Lord. May we find strength in prayer and live in anticipation of His return, trusting in His plan for us.