Daily Readings - Thu Nov 14 2019
Luke
20Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed,21nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."22And he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.23And they will say to you, 'Look, there!' or 'Look, here!' Do not go out or follow them.24For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.25But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on the nature of God’s presence and wisdom. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes wisdom as a divine, all-encompassing spirit that permeates creation. It is holy, pure, and ever-active, reaching into all things while remaining unchanged. Wisdom is portrayed as the very breath of God, the brightness of eternal light, and the mirror of God’s majesty. This passage invites us to contemplate the beauty and generosity of God’s wisdom, which is not only a gift but also a call to live in harmony with it.
The Gospel reading from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of God. When asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom would arrive, Jesus responds that it does not come with observable signs or in a particular location. Instead, he declares, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” This statement challenges us to look inward, to recognize that God’s reign is already present in our hearts and lives. Jesus also warns against chasing after false appearances of the Kingdom, urging his disciples to remain steadfast and not be deceived. He compares the coming of the Son of Man to lightning, which illuminates the entire sky—unexpected and all-encompassing. Yet, before that day, Jesus must suffer and be rejected, reminding us that the path to glory often passes through the cross.
Together, these readings invite us to embrace a deeper understanding of God’s presence in our lives. The Book of Wisdom calls us to seek and cherish the divine wisdom that orders all things, while the Gospel challenges us to recognize the Kingdom of God already at work within us. In a world often distracted by external signs and fleeting promises, these readings remind us to cultivate interior conversion and to live with eyes open to the subtle yet profound ways God is at work. Let us ask for the grace to dwell in wisdom and to trust in the quiet, transformative power of God’s Kingdom within us.