Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 28, 2021
First Reading: Jeremiah 33.14-16
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.
Psalm 25
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David. To you, Lord, I have lifted up my soul2In you, my God, I trust. Let me not be put to shame3And do not let my enemies laugh at me. For all who remain with you will not be confounded4May all those who act unjustly over nothing be confounded. O Lord, demonstrate your ways to me, and teach me your paths5Direct me in your truth, and teach me. For you are God, my Saviour, and I remain with you all day long6O Lord, remember your compassion and your mercies, which are from ages past7Do not remember the offenses of my youth and my ignorances. Remember me according to your mercy, because of your goodness, O Lord8The Lord is sweet and righteous. Because of this, he will grant a law to those who fall short in the way9He will direct the mild in judgment. He will teach the meek his ways10All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth, to those who yearn for his covenant and his testimonies11Because of your name, O Lord, you will pardon my sin, for it is great12Which is the man who fears the Lord? He has established a law for him, on the way that he has chosen13His soul will dwell upon good things, and his offspring will inherit the earth14The Lord is a firmament to those who fear him, and his covenant will be made manifest to them15My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pull my feet from the snare16Look upon me and have mercy on me; for I am alone and poor17The troubles of my heart have been multiplied. Deliver me from my needfulness18See my lowliness and my hardship, and release all my offenses19Consider my enemies, for they have been multiplied, and they have hated me with an unjust hatred20Preserve my soul and rescue me. I will not be ashamed, for I have hoped in you21The innocent and the righteous have adhered to me, because I have remained with you22Free Israel, O God, from all his tribulations
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3.12 – 4.2
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
Gospel: Luke 21.25-28, 34-36
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 expectation, moral living, and preparedness. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of a future time when God will fulfill His promise to Israel and Judah, bringing justice and restoration through a messianic figure. This message of hope is set against the backdrop of exile, offering comfort to a people in despair. The second reading from Thessalonians encourages believers to live in a way that pleases God, abounding in love and maintaining moral integrity as they await the return of the Lord. The Gospel from Luke, part of Jesus' Olivet discourse, urges vigilance and prayer as signs of the end times unfold, reminding us to stay alert and prepared for the Lord's coming.
Each reading, though distinct, weaves together a narrative of expectation and readiness. Jeremiah's prophecy points to the hope of justice and restoration, while Thessalonians emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life as we anticipate the Lord's return. Luke's passage, with its imagery of cosmic signs and the urgency to remain vigilant, underscores the need for constant prayer and mindfulness. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is rooted in hope and that our actions should reflect our commitment to living according to God's will.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to cultivate hope, live with integrity, and remain prayerful. Let us trust in God's promises, striving to love more deeply and live more justly. May we approach each day with the readiness of those who know that our redemption is near, trusting in God's plan and living faithfully in His grace.