Daily Readings - Sat Nov 25 2017
First Reading - 1 Maccabees 6.1-13
Gospel - Luke 20.27-40
Luke
27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,28Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.29There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.30And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.31And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.32Last of all the woman died also.33Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.34And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.38For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.39Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.40And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the promise of eternal life. The first reading from 1 Maccabees describes the downfall of King Antiochus, who, after attempting to desecrate the Temple in Jerusalem, is overcome with grief and regret. His suffering is a direct result of his own sinful actions, and he comes to realize the gravity of his mistakes. This passage reminds us that sin has consequences, but it also hints at the possibility of repentance and the hope for forgiveness.
In the Gospel, Jesus engages with the Sadducees, who question Him about the resurrection. Using the example of a woman who marries seven brothers, they seek to undermine the concept of an afterlife. Jesus responds by explaining that life in the resurrection is fundamentally different from earthly life. He emphasizes that those who are raised will live as children of God, free from death and sin. This teaching challenges us to reorient our priorities, recognizing that our ultimate destiny is not in this world but in the eternal life promised by God.
Together, these readings call us to examine our lives and our faith. Like King Antiochus, we must acknowledge our sins and turn to God with contrite hearts. And like the Sadducees, we are invited to deepen our understanding of the resurrection, not as a mere philosophical concept, but as the fulfillment of God’s promise to us. May we strive to live in a way that reflects our belief in eternal life, trusting that God’s love and mercy will guide us through the trials of this world to the joy of the next.