Daily Readings - Sat Nov 28 2020
Revelation
1Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb2through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.3No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.5And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.6And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place."7"And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
Luke
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 presented with vivid imagery and profound teachings that guide us toward a deeper understanding of our faith. The first reading from Revelation 22:1-7 paints a picture of the heavenly Jerusalem, where the river of life flows from God's throne, and the Tree of Life bears fruit for the healing of nations. This vision is a testament to God's promise of eternal life and the ultimate triumph over suffering. The Gospel from Luke 21:34-36, however, shifts our focus to the present, as Jesus warns us against being consumed by the cares of this world. He urges us to remain vigilant and prayerful, so that we may stand before Him when He comes again.
These readings, though different in tone, are deeply connected. Revelation offers us a glimpse of the eternal life we are called to, while Luke reminds us of the necessary preparation and mindfulness required to attain it. The apocalyptic vision in Revelation is not merely a future hope but a present reality that shapes how we live each day. Jesus' words in Luke serve as a call to action, encouraging us to detach from worldly distractions and remain focused on our spiritual journey. Together, they remind us that our ultimate goal is to stand before God, and this requires constant vigilance and prayer.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our daily lives. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Yet, Jesus calls us to be vigilant, to pray always, and to keep our hearts fixed on Him. The vision in Revelation reminds us that our struggles are not in vain, for God's plan is one of ultimate restoration and peace. Let us, therefore, live each day with hope and trust in God's plan, keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal life He promises. May we remain faithful and steadfast, ready to stand before the Son of Man when He comes.