Daily Readings - Wed Nov 23 2022
Revelation
1And I saw another sign in heaven, great and wondrous: seven Angels, holding the seven last afflictions. For with them, the wrath of God is completed2And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire. And those who had overcome the beast and his image and the number of his name, were standing upon the sea of glass, holding the harps of God3and singing the canticle of Moses, the servant of God, and the canticle of the Lamb, saying: "Great and wondrous are your works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of all ages4Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and magnify your name? For you alone are blessed. For all nations shall approach and adore in your sight, because your judgments are manifest.
Luke
12But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, handing you over to synagogues and into custody, dragging you before kings and governors, because of my name13And this will be an opportunity for you to give testimony14Therefore, set this in your hearts: that you should not consider in advance how you might respond15For I will give to you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries will not be able to resist or contradict16And you will be handed over by your parents, and brothers, and relatives, and friends. And they will bring about the death of some of you17And you will be hated by all because of my name18And yet, not a hair of your head will perish19By your patience, you shall possess your souls
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with vivid imagery and profound teachings that invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, perseverance, and God's ultimate triumph. The first reading from Revelation paints a picture of the final victory of God over evil, with the faithful standing on a sea of glass, singing hymns of praise. This vision is a reminder that, despite the trials and tribulations we face, God's justice and love will ultimately prevail. The Gospel from Luke, however, brings us back to the present, where Jesus warns His disciples about the persecutions they will endure for His name. He assures them that they will be given the strength and wisdom to testify to their faith, even in the face of adversity.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on trust and perseverance. Revelation offers a glimpse of the eternal reward for those who remain faithful, while Luke's Gospel equips us with the courage to face the challenges of the here and now. Both readings remind us that our faith is not just about waiting for the future; it is about living it out in the present, even when the road is difficult. Jesus’ promise that "not a hair of your head will perish" is not a guarantee of physical safety but a assurance of spiritual survival. Our souls, nourished by patience and trust in God, will endure.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us remember that faith is not about avoiding struggles but about facing them with courage and grace. When we encounter trials, whether personal or communal, let us draw strength from the knowledge that we are part of a larger story—one that ends in God’s victory. May we, like the faithful in Revelation, sing His praises even in the midst of turmoil, and may we, like the disciples in Luke, testify to His love with patience and perseverance. In doing so, we not only endure our trials but also allow them to transform us, drawing us closer to the heart of God.