Daily Readings - Wed Nov 28 2018
Revelation
1Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.2And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire--and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.3And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!4Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Luke
12But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.13This will be your opportunity to bear witness.14Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.16You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.17You will be hated by all for my name's sake.18But not a hair of your head will perish.19By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful images of triumph and perseverance in the face of adversity. The first reading from Revelation presents a vision of heavenly glory, where those who have overcome the forces of evil stand victorious on a sea of glass, singing hymns of praise to God. This apocalyptic scene reminds us that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately prevail, and all nations will come to worship Him. The Gospel, from Luke, shifts our focus to the challenges of discipleship. Jesus warns His followers that they will face persecution, betrayal, and even death because of their faith. Yet, He assures them that they will be given the words to testify and that not a hair on their heads will perish, for their ultimate victory lies in patience and trust in God.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on faith and perseverance. Revelation offers a glimpse of the final triumph of God’s people, while Luke’s Gospel prepares us for the trials that must come first. Both readings remind us that our faith is not a path to comfort or ease but a call to stand firm in the face of adversity. The vision in Revelation is not just a future hope but a present reality that strengthens us to endure. Similarly, Jesus’ words in the Gospel are not meant to frighten but to encourage us to trust in His providence and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges. Do we see them as opportunities to grow in faith, or do we allow fear and doubt to take root? Like the early disciples, we may face opposition, misunderstanding, or even betrayal. Yet, Jesus promises us the grace to bear witness to His love and truth, even in the most difficult moments. Let us draw strength from the vision of Revelation, knowing that our perseverance will lead us to eternal glory. And let us trust in Jesus’ promise that He will give us the words and wisdom we need, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. In a world that often tests our faith, may we remain steadfast, knowing that our ultimate victory is already secured in Christ.