Daily Readings - Sun Nov 24 2019
2 Samuel
1Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "Behold, we are your bone and flesh.2In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD said to you, 'You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.'"3So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel.
Colossians
12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.13He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him.17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Luke
35And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!"36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine37and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"38There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."39One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"40But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?41And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."42And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."43And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of kingship, leadership, and redemption. In the first reading from 2 Samuel, David is anointed king of Israel, marking the beginning of his earthly reign. This passage emphasizes God’s choice of David as a shepherd for His people, highlighting the divine origin of his authority. The second reading from Colossians shifts our gaze to the eternal kingship of Christ, who is the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church. Here, we see that Jesus’ reign is not limited to a earthly kingdom but encompasses all creation, reconciling all things through His sacrifice. The Gospel from Luke brings us to the cross, where Jesus, mocked as the “King of the Jews,” reveals the true nature of His kingship through forgiveness and mercy. Even in His suffering, Jesus extends the promise of paradise to the repentant thief, showing that His kingdom is one of grace and redemption.
These readings are deeply connected, as they all point to the nature of true leadership and authority. David’s anointing as king prefigures the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who reigns not through power or domination but through love and self-giving. The Colossians passage reminds us that Jesus is the source and sustainer of all creation, and His kingship is rooted in His redemptive work. The Gospel scene on Calvary shows us that Jesus’ kingship is paradoxically revealed in His vulnerability and mercy. Together, these readings call us to reevaluate our understanding of leadership and power, inviting us to embrace a way of life shaped by humility, forgiveness, and trust in God’s plan.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that true greatness is found in serving others and imitating Christ’s self-giving love. Like David, we are called to lead with integrity and compassion, recognizing that our authority comes from God. Like the repentant thief, we are invited to turn to Jesus in faith, trusting in His promise of eternal life. In a world often dominated by power struggles and self-interest, these readings challenge us to live as citizens of God’s kingdom, where love, mercy, and humility reign supreme. May we strive to follow Christ, the King who rules with an outstretched arm and an open heart, and may we find our true home in the paradise He promises.