Daily Readings - Sun Nov 17 2024
Daniel
1"At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.2And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.3And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Hebrews
11And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.12But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,13waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.18Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Mark
24"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,25and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.26And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.27And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.30Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.32"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through themes of faith, preparation, and the ultimate triumph of God's plan. The Book of Daniel paints a vivid picture of the end times, where the archangel Michael leads the faithful through a period of great distress. It emphasizes that those whose names are written in the book will be saved, highlighting the importance of steadfast faith and the role of teachers who guide others towards righteousness, shining like stars in eternity.
The Letter to the Hebrews contrasts the endless sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice, once offered, achieves eternal redemption, underscoring the completeness and sufficiency of His work. This reading invites us to reflect on the profound grace offered through Christ, freeing us from the cycle of sin and sacrifice.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus describes His glorious return, urging us to be vigilant and attentive to the signs of the times, much like recognizing the budding of a fig tree. He reminds us that while the exact timing of His return is unknown, His words endure eternally. This calls us to live each day with purpose, nurturing our faith, and sharing the Good News with others.
As we reflect on these readings, let us embrace a life of preparedness and trust in God's timing. May we remain faithful, teach others with love, and trust in the eternal power of Christ's sacrifice. Let us live each day mindful of God's presence, ready to meet Him, and steadfast in our commitment to His will.