Daily Readings - Sun Nov 17 2019
Malachi
1For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
2 Thessalonians
7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;8Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.11For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Luke
5And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,6As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.7And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?8And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.13And it shall turn to you for a testimony.14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.18But there shall not an hair of your head perish.19In your patience possess ye your souls.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of preparation, faithfulness, and perseverance in the face of uncertainty and trial. In the first reading, Malachi speaks of the Day of the Lord, a time of purification when the wicked will face judgment, but the righteous will find healing and joy in the “Sun of Justice.” This passage reminds us that God’s justice is both purifying and restorative, calling us to live with integrity and hope. The second reading from 2 Thessalonians emphasizes the importance of living responsibly and working diligently, even as we await the Lord’s return. Paul and his companions set an example of hard work and self-sufficiency, encouraging the community to avoid idleness and disorder. Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples about the signs of the end times—wars, natural disasters, and persecutions—but assures them that even in the midst of chaos, their perseverance will ultimately lead to victory.
These readings are interconnected in their call to faithfulness and preparedness. Malachi and Luke both point to a future day of reckoning, while 2 Thessalonians provides practical wisdom for living in the present. Together, they remind us that our lives must be rooted in trust in God’s providence, even as we face challenges and uncertainties. The destruction of the Temple in Luke’s Gospel serves as a metaphor for the impermanence of earthly things, urging us to focus on what truly endures: our relationship with God and our commitment to living according to His will.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are called to live with integrity, diligence, and hope. Like the disciples, we may face trials and persecutions, but these are opportunities to bear witness to our faith. Let us embrace the wisdom of Paul’s example, working hard and avoiding idleness, not only for our own sake but for the sake of others. And when we encounter difficulties, let us remember Jesus’ promise: “Not a hair of your head will perish. By your patience, you shall possess your souls.” May we trust in God’s plan, remain steadfast in our faith, and live each day with the hope of eternal life.