Daily Readings - Sat Nov 23 2019
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 converge on themes of divine justice, the afterlife, and the consequences of human actions. The first reading from 1 Maccabees portrays King Antiochus, overwhelmed by grief and regret, as he confronts the repercussions of his oppressive deeds, particularly against Jerusalem. His downfall serves as a testament to the principle that sin leads to downfall, while the Jewish people, though oppressed, ultimately find triumph through their faith and resilience.
The Gospel from Luke presents a theological debate where the Sadducees challenge Jesus on the concept of resurrection. Using a complex scenario involving seven brothers and their wife, they aim to discredit the idea of an afterlife. Jesus, however, transcends their earthly perspective, explaining that in the resurrection, relationships will be redefined, akin to the angels, and all will be alive in God's presence. He underscores this by referencing Moses, affirming that God is the God of the living, not the dead.
Both readings, though differing in context—one historical and the other theological—unite in their exploration of death, divine justice, and eternal life. The Maccabean narrative highlights earthly consequences of sin, while Luke's Gospel elevates our gaze to the hope of resurrection. Together, they remind us to live with integrity, trusting in God's plan beyond our mortal lives. The moral lesson is clear: sin has consequences, but through faith and virtuous living, we can embrace the hope of eternal life, where all are alive in God's eternal embrace.