Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 2, 2018
First Reading: Jeremiah 33.14-16
14Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.15In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.16In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Psalm 25
1Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.6Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.8Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.11For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.16Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.20O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3.12 – 4.2
Gospel: Luke 21.25-28, 34-36
25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of hope, preparation, and vigilance as we await the Lord's return. The Prophet Jeremiah speaks of a future time when God will fulfill His promise of justice and redemption, symbolized by a shoot from David—Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us of the enduring hope that God's promises bring, even in uncertain times.
The Second Reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to live lives of love and holiness, abounding in charity and pleasing God as we wait for the Lord's return. It emphasizes the importance of moral living and being prepared, highlighting our responsibility to live in a way that reflects our faith.
The Gospel from Luke vividly describes the end times, urging us to remain vigilant and prayerful. It cautions against being weighed down by worldly concerns, reminding us to stay alert and focused on our spiritual lives. Together, these readings remind us to live with hope, preparing for the future by staying grounded in our faith and being ready to stand before the Son of Man.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's promises, live with moral integrity, and remain vigilant. Let us embrace the hope of redemption, live with purpose, and stay spiritually alert, ever ready to meet our Lord. May we find strength in prayer and live in anticipation of His return, trusting in His plan for us.