Daily Readings - Wed Nov 25 2020
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 perseverance, divine justice, and the ultimate triumph of God. The first reading from Revelation presents a vision of the saints standing victorious on a sea of glass, singing hymns of praise to God. They have overcome the beast and its false allure, and now they celebrate God’s wondrous works and just ways. This apocalyptic imagery reminds us that God’s plan is unfolding, even when the world seems consumed by chaos. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel shifts our focus to the present. Jesus warns His disciples of the persecutions they will face because of His name. He assures them that these trials are opportunities to bear witness to the truth and promises that the Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak. Despite the challenges, Jesus encourages them to remain steadfast, for not a hair of their head will perish, and by their patience, they will save their souls.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on enduring trials with faith and trust in God. Revelation offers a glimpse of the final victory, where the saints stand triumphant, while Luke’s Gospel focuses on the journey of discipleship, where perseverance in the face of adversity is essential. Both readings remind us that our struggles are not in vain. God’s justice will prevail, and His wisdom will guide us through even the darkest times. In a world filled with uncertainty, these readings call us to remain faithful, knowing that our ultimate hope is in God’s eternal plan.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to the challenges in our own lives? Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we allow fear and doubt to take hold? Jesus assures us that we are not alone; He will give us the strength and the words to face whatever comes our way. Let us embrace the call to patience and perseverance, knowing that these virtues will help us possess our souls in peace. In the end, it is not the trials we endure but our faithfulness that will be our greatest witness to the power of God’s love.