Daily Readings - Sun Nov 23 2025
2 Samuel
1And all the tribes of Israel went to David in Hebron, saying: "Behold, we are your bone and your flesh2Moreover, yesterday and the day before, when Saul was king over us, you were the one leading out and leading back Israel. Then the Lord said to you, ‘You shall pasture my people Israel, and you shall be the leader over Israel.’ 3Also, the elders of Israel went to the king at Hebron, and king David struck a pact with them at Hebron in the sight of the Lord. And they anointed David as king over Israel
Colossians
12giving thanks to God the Father, who has made us worthy to have a share in the portion of the saints, in the light13For he has rescued us from the power of darkness, and he has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love14in whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins15He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature16For in him was created everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers. All things were created through him and in him17And he is before all, and in him all things continue18And he is the head of his body, the Church. He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, so that in all things he may hold primacy19For the Father is well-pleased that all fullness reside in him20and that, through him, all things be reconciled to himself, making peace through the blood of his cross, for the things that are on earth, as well as the things that are in heaven
Luke
35And people were standing near, watching. And the leaders among them derided him, saying: "He saved others. Let him save himself, if this one is the Christ, the elect of God.36And the soldiers also ridiculed him, approaching him and offering him vinegar37and saying, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.38Now there was also an inscription written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS39And one of those robbers who were hanging blasphemed him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.40But the other responded by rebuking him, saying: "Do you have no fear of God, since you are under the same condemnation41And indeed, it is just for us. For we are receiving what our deeds deserve. But truly, this one has done nothing wrong.42And he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.43And Jesus said to him, "Amen I say to you, this day you shall be with me in Paradise.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter three distinct yet interconnected scenes that guide us toward a deeper understanding of leadership, redemption, and divine love. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts David’s anointing as King of Israel, highlighting the people’s recognition of his leadership and God’s covenant with him. This historical event sets the stage for reflecting on leadership as a sacred trust, entrusted not for personal glory but for the welfare of the people.
The second reading from Colossians presents a hymn to Christ, celebrating Him as the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church. This passage elevates our understanding of Jesus beyond a historical figure, portraying Him as the divine ruler who reconciles all things through His blood. It invites us to contemplate the cosmic significance of Christ’s mission and our place within His redemptive plan.
The Gospel from Luke vividly depicts the crucifixion, where Jesus, mocked as the King of the Jews, embodies humility and forgiveness. The exchange with the repentant thief illustrates the transformative power of faith and mercy. Here, Jesus’s kingship is not about power but about selfless love, offering salvation even in His final moments.
These readings weave together to reveal Jesus as the true King, whose reign is characterized by love and redemption. In our daily lives, we are called to recognize Jesus’s gentle yet profound kingship. His leadership is a call to humility, compassion, and trust in divine providence. As we navigate our own trials, may we turn to Jesus, seeking His mercy and striving to reflect His love in our actions. Let us remember that true leadership, as exemplified by Christ, is not about dominance but about serving and bringing hope to others. In this, we find the essence of living under the reign of God’s love.