Daily Readings - Sun Nov 24 2019
2 Samuel
1Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.2Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.3So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
Colossians
12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Luke
35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of kingship, leadership, and redemption. In the first reading from 2 Samuel, David is anointed king of Israel, marking the beginning of his earthly reign. This passage emphasizes God’s choice of David as a shepherd for His people, highlighting the divine origin of his authority. The second reading from Colossians shifts our gaze to the eternal kingship of Christ, who is the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church. Here, we see that Jesus’ reign is not limited to a earthly kingdom but encompasses all creation, reconciling all things through His sacrifice. The Gospel from Luke brings us to the cross, where Jesus, mocked as the “King of the Jews,” reveals the true nature of His kingship through forgiveness and mercy. Even in His suffering, Jesus extends the promise of paradise to the repentant thief, showing that His kingdom is one of grace and redemption.
These readings are deeply connected, as they all point to the nature of true leadership and authority. David’s anointing as king prefigures the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who reigns not through power or domination but through love and self-giving. The Colossians passage reminds us that Jesus is the source and sustainer of all creation, and His kingship is rooted in His redemptive work. The Gospel scene on Calvary shows us that Jesus’ kingship is paradoxically revealed in His vulnerability and mercy. Together, these readings call us to reevaluate our understanding of leadership and power, inviting us to embrace a way of life shaped by humility, forgiveness, and trust in God’s plan.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that true greatness is found in serving others and imitating Christ’s self-giving love. Like David, we are called to lead with integrity and compassion, recognizing that our authority comes from God. Like the repentant thief, we are invited to turn to Jesus in faith, trusting in His promise of eternal life. In a world often dominated by power struggles and self-interest, these readings challenge us to live as citizens of God’s kingdom, where love, mercy, and humility reign supreme. May we strive to follow Christ, the King who rules with an outstretched arm and an open heart, and may we find our true home in the paradise He promises.