Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 1, 2024
First Reading: Jeremiah 33.14-16
14"Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.15In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.16In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.'
Psalm 25
1To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.2O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.3Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.4Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.5Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.6Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!8Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.9He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.10All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.11For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great.12Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.13His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land.14The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.15My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.16Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.18Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.19Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me.20Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.21May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3.12 – 4.2
Gospel: Luke 21.25-28, 34-36
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."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 a tapestry of hope, preparation, and the call to live justly. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of a future where God’s promise of justice and restoration is fulfilled through a leader from David’s line, a prophecy realized in Jesus Christ. This message, born out of the hope during the Babylonian exile, reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the ultimate restoration He promises.
The second reading from Thessalonians encourages believers to abound in love and live blamelessly, preparing for the Lord’s return. Paul’s words resonate with the early Christian communities, emphasizing ethical living and readiness for Christ’s coming. This ties seamlessly into the Gospel, where Jesus describes the signs of the end times and urges His disciples to remain vigilant and prayerful, not to be swayed by worldly distractions.
These readings weave together the themes of hope, justice, and preparation. Jeremiah’s prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who embodies justice and restoration. Thessalonians calls us to live in love and readiness, while the Gospel warns against complacency, encouraging us to stay alert and focused on our faith. As we navigate our daily lives, let us embrace this call to live with purpose, trusting in God’s plan and maintaining hope in His promises. May we stay vigilant, grounded in love and justice, ever-ready to stand before the Son of Man.