Daily Readings - Fri Nov 13 2020
2 John
4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.5And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.6And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Luke
26And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.27They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.28Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.30Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.31In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.32Remember Lot's wife.33Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.34I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.35Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.36Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.37And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of fidelity, preparedness, and the ultimate judgment. In the Second Letter of John, we hear a heartfelt message urging believers to walk in truth and love, while warning against the dangers of deception. John expresses joy in seeing some of the community adhering to the truth but cautions against those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh. This letter, written in a time of early Christian communities facing doctrinal challenges, emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in the teachings of Christ.
The Gospel from Luke presents a stark reminder of the suddenness of God’s judgment, drawing parallels with the days of Noah and Lot. Jesus warns that life will seem normal, much like in the days before the flood or the destruction of Sodom, until the moment of reckoning arrives. He urges His followers not to be caught off guard, not to look back like Lot’s wife, and to be prepared to prioritize spiritual life over material possessions. This passage, part of Jesus’ eschatological teachings, calls believers to live with vigilance and single-minded commitment to God’s will.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our lives. They remind us that fidelity to God’s truth and love is not merely a doctrinal exercise but a way of life. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we are called to remain steadfast, avoiding the pitfalls of complacency and false teachings. The moral lesson is clear: our ultimate judgment will depend on how we live each day, whether we remain faithful, and whether we are prepared to meet the Lord when He comes. Let us strive to live with integrity, love, and purpose, keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal truths of our faith.