Daily Readings - Fri Nov 15 2024
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, love, and preparedness. In the Second Letter of John, we hear a heartfelt exhortation to remain faithful to the commandment of love and to walk in the truth. John rejoices to see believers living according to God’s will but also warns against deceivers who reject the truth of Christ’s incarnation. He reminds us that love is not merely a feeling but a commitment to living according to God’s commandments. This letter emphasizes the importance of remaining rooted in the doctrine of Christ, for only then can we have true union with the Father and the Son.
The Gospel from Luke presents a stark contrast between life as usual and the suddenness of God’s judgment. Jesus compares the days of Noah and Lot to the day when the Son of Man will be revealed. Just as the flood and fire destroyed those unprepared, so too will the Lord’s coming catch many off guard. Jesus warns against attachment to worldly possessions and comforts, urging us to be vigilant and detached. The imagery of one being taken and the other left behind reminds us that our ultimate destiny depends on our readiness to follow God without hesitation. The story of Lot’s wife, who looked back, serves as a caution against nostalgia for a life that is passing away.
These readings call us to live with integrity and purpose. Like John, we are to love one another by walking in the truth of Christ’s teachings. Like those in Noah’s and Lot’s time, we are to be prepared for the unexpected, trusting in God’s plan rather than becoming complacent in our current way of life. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we are reminded to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and to live in such a way that we are ready to meet him at any moment. Let us strive to remain faithful, to love without reserve, and to be prepared for the day when the Lord will reveal himself in glory.