Daily Readings - Fri Nov 13 2020
2 John
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
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of fidelity, preparedness, and the ultimate judgment. In the Second Letter of John, we hear a heartfelt message urging believers to walk in truth and love, while warning against the dangers of deception. John expresses joy in seeing some of the community adhering to the truth but cautions against those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh. This letter, written in a time of early Christian communities facing doctrinal challenges, emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in the teachings of Christ.
The Gospel from Luke presents a stark reminder of the suddenness of God’s judgment, drawing parallels with the days of Noah and Lot. Jesus warns that life will seem normal, much like in the days before the flood or the destruction of Sodom, until the moment of reckoning arrives. He urges His followers not to be caught off guard, not to look back like Lot’s wife, and to be prepared to prioritize spiritual life over material possessions. This passage, part of Jesus’ eschatological teachings, calls believers to live with vigilance and single-minded commitment to God’s will.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our lives. They remind us that fidelity to God’s truth and love is not merely a doctrinal exercise but a way of life. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we are called to remain steadfast, avoiding the pitfalls of complacency and false teachings. The moral lesson is clear: our ultimate judgment will depend on how we live each day, whether we remain faithful, and whether we are prepared to meet the Lord when He comes. Let us strive to live with integrity, love, and purpose, keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal truths of our faith.