Daily Readings - Sun Nov 17 2019
Malachi
1"For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.2But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
2 Thessalonians
7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,8nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.9It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.11For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.12Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
Luke
5And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said,6"As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."7And they asked him, "Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?"8And he said, "See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them.9And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once."10Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.11There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of preparation, faithfulness, and perseverance in the face of uncertainty and trial. In the first reading, Malachi speaks of the Day of the Lord, a time of purification when the wicked will face judgment, but the righteous will find healing and joy in the “Sun of Justice.” This passage reminds us that God’s justice is both purifying and restorative, calling us to live with integrity and hope. The second reading from 2 Thessalonians emphasizes the importance of living responsibly and working diligently, even as we await the Lord’s return. Paul and his companions set an example of hard work and self-sufficiency, encouraging the community to avoid idleness and disorder. Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples about the signs of the end times—wars, natural disasters, and persecutions—but assures them that even in the midst of chaos, their perseverance will ultimately lead to victory.
These readings are interconnected in their call to faithfulness and preparedness. Malachi and Luke both point to a future day of reckoning, while 2 Thessalonians provides practical wisdom for living in the present. Together, they remind us that our lives must be rooted in trust in God’s providence, even as we face challenges and uncertainties. The destruction of the Temple in Luke’s Gospel serves as a metaphor for the impermanence of earthly things, urging us to focus on what truly endures: our relationship with God and our commitment to living according to His will.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are called to live with integrity, diligence, and hope. Like the disciples, we may face trials and persecutions, but these are opportunities to bear witness to our faith. Let us embrace the wisdom of Paul’s example, working hard and avoiding idleness, not only for our own sake but for the sake of others. And when we encounter difficulties, let us remember Jesus’ promise: “Not a hair of your head will perish. By your patience, you shall possess your souls.” May we trust in God’s plan, remain steadfast in our faith, and live each day with the hope of eternal life.