Daily Readings - Sun Nov 02 2025
Revelation
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."5And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."6And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.7The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Luke
11Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.12As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep."14Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise."15And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.16Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"17And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
Sermon
The readings today offer us a profound reflection on hope, trust in God, and the ultimate triumph of life over death. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear about the souls of the just who, though they may seem to die in the eyes of the foolish, are in fact at peace in the hand of God. Their suffering is not the end but a purification, like gold refined in a furnace, and they will shine in the time of God’s visitation. This passage reminds us that our earthly struggles are not the final word; there is an eternal life where the faithful will judge nations and reign with God.
The second reading from Revelation paints a vivid picture of the new heaven and the new earth, where God dwells with humanity, wiping away every tear and ending death and mourning. This vision is a promise of renewal and restoration, assuring us that all things will be made new. It invites us to trust in God’s plan and to long for the day when we will live in his presence without pain or sorrow. This hope is not just for the future; it is a reality that shapes how we live today.
In the Gospel, Luke tells the story of Jesus raising the widow’s only son. Moved by compassion, Jesus touches the coffin and restores the young man to life. This miracle is not just a display of power but a revelation of God’s heart—a heart that beats with love and mercy. The crowd’s response—glorifying God and recognizing his presence among them—reminds us that faith is awakened when we encounter God’s love and power. Like the widow, we are called to trust in Jesus, even in our darkest moments, knowing that he is the Lord of life and death.
These readings remind us that our faith is rooted in hope. Even in the midst of suffering and death, we are called to trust in God’s plan and to see beyond the present moment. Like the souls of the just, we are being purified in this life so that we might shine in eternity. Like the widow, we are invited to encounter Jesus, who brings life and hope to those who are hurting. Let us live with this hope, trusting that God will make all things new, and let us show compassion to those around us, just as Jesus did. In him, we have the promise of eternal life, and in him, we find the strength to face whatever comes our way.