Daily Readings - Thu Nov 28 2024
Revelation
1After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.2And he called out with a mighty voice, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.21Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more;22and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more,23and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
1After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,2for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants."3Once more they cried out, "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever."9And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."
Luke
20"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it,22for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.23Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people.24They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.25"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,26people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.27And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.28Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are presented with vivid imagery of judgment and redemption, both from Revelation and the Gospel of Luke. The first reading from Revelation describes the fall of Babylon, a symbol of corruption and oppression, using dramatic imagery such as a millstone cast into the sea and the absence of music and light. This is followed by a heavenly celebration, with voices praising God for his just judgment. In the Gospel, Jesus warns of the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs that will precede the end times, urging his followers to remain vigilant and hopeful, for their redemption is near.
These readings, though written in different contexts, share a common theme: the ultimate triumph of God’s justice and the call to trust in his plan. Revelation was written to encourage early Christians facing persecution, while Luke’s passage was part of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, preparing his disciples for the challenges they would face. Both remind us that God’s judgment is not about destruction but about restoring justice and purity. The fall of Babylon and the fall of Jerusalem are not ends in themselves but point to the larger story of God’s redemption.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to live with hope and integrity. In a world that often seems torn apart by injustice and suffering, we are called to trust that God’s justice will prevail. Let us not be complacent or discouraged but instead live with faith, perseverance, and hope. May we remain attentive to God’s presence in our lives, knowing that even in the midst of trials, our ultimate redemption draws near.