Daily Readings - Sun Nov 14 2021
Daniel
1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Hebrews
11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;13From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.18Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Mark
24But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,25And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.26And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.27And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.28Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:29So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.30Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.31Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.32But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through themes of hope, sacrifice, and vigilance, all pointing us toward the eternal plan of God. The first reading from Daniel presents a vision of the end times, where the archangel Michael will rise to protect God's people, and the dead will be judged based on their deeds. This passage reminds us that our actions have consequences and that God's justice will ultimately prevail. The second reading from Hebrews contrasts the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the perfect, once-for-one sacrifice of Christ, which has forever sanctified those who believe in him. This emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. In the Gospel, Mark 13, Jesus speaks about the signs of the end times and the coming of the Son of Man. He encourages his disciples to be attentive and ready, using the parable of the fig tree to illustrate the importance of discerning the signs of the times.
These readings are deeply connected. Daniel and Mark both speak of a future time of great upheaval and transformation, while Hebrews provides the theological foundation for understanding the ultimate purpose of these events. The resurrection of the dead in Daniel and the gathering of the elect in Mark point to God's plan to bring creation to its fulfillment. Hebrews ties this together by showing how Christ's sacrifice has made possible the salvation of those who will be raised and glorified. Together, the readings invite us to live with hope and confidence, knowing that God's plan is unfolding even in the midst of uncertainty.
As we reflect on these readings, let us apply their message to our daily lives. In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, we are called to remain vigilant and faithful, trusting in God's providence. Just as the fig tree signals the coming of summer, so too can we discern the signs of God's presence and action in our lives. Let us live with purpose, striving to teach and inspire others in the ways of justice and holiness, as Daniel suggests. Above all, let us take comfort in the truth that Christ's sacrifice has already secured our salvation, and that his word will endure forever. May we embrace this hope and live each day in preparation for the eternal life that awaits us.