Daily Readings - Fri Nov 16 2018
2 John
4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.5And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.6And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Luke
26And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.27They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.28Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.30Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.31In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.32Remember Lot's wife.33Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.34I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.35Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.36Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.37And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the importance of fidelity to our faith and preparedness for God’s judgment. The second reading from 2 John emphasizes walking in truth and love, cautioning against false teachings that deny Jesus as the Messiah. It underscores the commandment to love one another, which is rooted in following God’s teachings. The Gospel from Luke uses the examples of Noah and Lot to illustrate the suddenness of God’s judgment, urging us not to be caught off guard and to avoid the temptation to look back, as Lot’s wife did.
Both readings are set within contexts that highlight the importance of steadfastness. John’s letter addresses a community facing deception, encouraging them to remain true to the teachings of Christ. Luke’s passage, part of Jesus’ eschatological teachings, reminds us to be vigilant and prepared for the unexpected return of the Son of Man. Together, they call us to live with integrity and moral consistency, adhering to God’s commandments and avoiding complacency.
In our daily lives, this means embracing a life of faith and moral living. We are to stay true to our beliefs, avoiding the distractions and false allurements of the world. The moral lesson here is clear: live each day with the mindfulness that it could be our last, staying vigilant and faithful. Let us strive to remain steadfast in our commitment to God, ensuring that our actions and beliefs align with His teachings, ever prepared to meet Him when He comes.