Daily Readings - Sun Dec 02 2018

¹⁴"Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.¹⁵In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.¹⁶In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.'

1 Thessalonians

Chapter 3

¹²and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,¹³so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Chapter 4

¹Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.²For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Luke

Chapter 21

²⁵"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,²⁶people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.²⁷And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.²⁸Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."³⁴"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.³⁵For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.³⁶But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Sermon

In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of hope, preparation, and vigilance as we await the Lord's return. The Prophet Jeremiah speaks of a future time when God will fulfill His promise of justice and redemption, symbolized by a shoot from David—Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us of the enduring hope that God's promises bring, even in uncertain times. The Second Reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to live lives of love and holiness, abounding in charity and pleasing God as we wait for the Lord's return. It emphasizes the importance of moral living and being prepared, highlighting our responsibility to live in a way that reflects our faith. The Gospel from Luke vividly describes the end times, urging us to remain vigilant and prayerful. It cautions against being weighed down by worldly concerns, reminding us to stay alert and focused on our spiritual lives. Together, these readings remind us to live with hope, preparing for the future by staying grounded in our faith and being ready to stand before the Son of Man. As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's promises, live with moral integrity, and remain vigilant. Let us embrace the hope of redemption, live with purpose, and stay spiritually alert, ever ready to meet our Lord. May we find strength in prayer and live in anticipation of His return, trusting in His plan for us.