Daily Readings - Thu Nov 14 2019
Luke
20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.22And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.23And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.24For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.25But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on the nature of God’s presence and wisdom. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes wisdom as a divine, all-encompassing spirit that permeates creation. It is holy, pure, and ever-active, reaching into all things while remaining unchanged. Wisdom is portrayed as the very breath of God, the brightness of eternal light, and the mirror of God’s majesty. This passage invites us to contemplate the beauty and generosity of God’s wisdom, which is not only a gift but also a call to live in harmony with it.
The Gospel reading from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of God. When asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom would arrive, Jesus responds that it does not come with observable signs or in a particular location. Instead, he declares, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” This statement challenges us to look inward, to recognize that God’s reign is already present in our hearts and lives. Jesus also warns against chasing after false appearances of the Kingdom, urging his disciples to remain steadfast and not be deceived. He compares the coming of the Son of Man to lightning, which illuminates the entire sky—unexpected and all-encompassing. Yet, before that day, Jesus must suffer and be rejected, reminding us that the path to glory often passes through the cross.
Together, these readings invite us to embrace a deeper understanding of God’s presence in our lives. The Book of Wisdom calls us to seek and cherish the divine wisdom that orders all things, while the Gospel challenges us to recognize the Kingdom of God already at work within us. In a world often distracted by external signs and fleeting promises, these readings remind us to cultivate interior conversion and to live with eyes open to the subtle yet profound ways God is at work. Let us ask for the grace to dwell in wisdom and to trust in the quiet, transformative power of God’s Kingdom within us.