Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 27, 2024

First Reading: Revelation 15.1-4

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."

Psalm 98

Psalms

Chapter 98

¹Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.²The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.³He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.⁴Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!⁵Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!⁶With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!⁷Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!⁸Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together⁹before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

Gospel: Luke 21.12-19

Luke

Chapter 21

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 are presented with vivid imagery and profound teachings that guide us through the challenges of faith and the promise of divine triumph. The first reading from Revelation 15:1-4 offers a vision of the end times, where seven angels bear the final plagues, and the victorious stand before a sea of glass, praising God with harps and song. This apocalyptic scene, rich in symbolism, reminds us of God's ultimate judgment and the triumph of those who persevere through trials. The second reading from Luke 21:12-19 shifts focus to Jesus' words of warning to His disciples, foretelling persecution and betrayal. Yet, amidst these trials, Jesus assures them of God's presence, promising wisdom and strength to endure, with the ultimate assurance that not a hair will perish and their souls will be saved through patience. Both readings, though distinct in context, share a common theme of perseverance in the face of adversity. Revelation, with its apocalyptic imagery, serves as a reminder of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, encouraging believers to remain steadfast. Luke's passage, part of the Olivet Discourse, is a practical guide for living through persecution, emphasizing trust in God's providence. Together, they teach us that our present struggles, though real, are part of a larger narrative where God's justice and love prevail. In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace faith and perseverance. When faced with challenges, we are called to trust in God's plan, knowing that our trials have purpose. Like the disciples, we may face opposition, but we are assured of God's wisdom and strength. The moral lesson here is clear: our endurance, rooted in faith, will lead us to triumph. Let us, therefore, stand firm, trusting that God is with us, even in our darkest hours, guiding us toward ultimate victory.