Daily Readings - Sun Nov 17 2024

¹"But at that time Michael will rise up, the great leader, who stands up for the sons of your people. And a time will come, such as has not been from the time that nations began, even until that time. And, at that time, your people will be saved, all who will be found written in the book²And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awaken: some to everlasting life, and others to a reproach that they will always see³But those who have taught will shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who instruct many towards justice, like the stars for unending eternity

Hebrews

Chapter 10

¹¹And certainly, every priest stands by, ministering daily, and frequently offering the same sacrifices, which are never able to take away sins¹²But this man, offering one sacrifice for sins, sits at the right hand of God forever¹³awaiting that time when his enemies will be made his footstool¹⁴For, by one oblation, he has brought to fulfillment, for all time, those who are sanctified¹⁸Now, when there is a remission of these things, there is no longer an oblation for sin

Mark

Chapter 13

²⁴But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her splendor²⁵And the stars of heaven will be falling down, and the powers that are in heaven will be moved²⁶And then they shall see the Son of man arriving on the clouds, with great power and glory²⁷And then he will send his Angels, and gather together his elect, from the four winds, from the limits of the earth, to the limits of heaven²⁸Now from the fig tree discern a parable. When its branch becomes tender and the foliage has been formed, you know that summer is very near²⁹So also, when you will have seen these things happen, know that it is very near, even at the doors³⁰Amen I say to you, that this lineage shall not pass away, until all these things have happened³¹Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away³²But concerning that day or hour, no one knows, neither the Angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father

Sermon

In today's readings, we journey through themes of faith, preparation, and the ultimate triumph of God's plan. The Book of Daniel paints a vivid picture of the end times, where the archangel Michael leads the faithful through a period of great distress. It emphasizes that those whose names are written in the book will be saved, highlighting the importance of steadfast faith and the role of teachers who guide others towards righteousness, shining like stars in eternity. The Letter to the Hebrews contrasts the endless sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice, once offered, achieves eternal redemption, underscoring the completeness and sufficiency of His work. This reading invites us to reflect on the profound grace offered through Christ, freeing us from the cycle of sin and sacrifice. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus describes His glorious return, urging us to be vigilant and attentive to the signs of the times, much like recognizing the budding of a fig tree. He reminds us that while the exact timing of His return is unknown, His words endure eternally. This calls us to live each day with purpose, nurturing our faith, and sharing the Good News with others. As we reflect on these readings, let us embrace a life of preparedness and trust in God's timing. May we remain faithful, teach others with love, and trust in the eternal power of Christ's sacrifice. Let us live each day mindful of God's presence, ready to meet Him, and steadfast in our commitment to His will.