Daily Readings - Sun Nov 21 2021
Daniel
13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Revelation
5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
John
33Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?34Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?35Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.37Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter a profound vision of God’s eternal kingdom and the true nature of Jesus’ kingship. The first reading from Daniel describes a vision of the "son of man" coming on the clouds of heaven, receiving eternal power and dominion over all peoples. This vision points to the universal and everlasting reign of God’s kingdom, which transcends the fleeting powers of this world. The second reading from Revelation reaffirms this vision, declaring Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who has made us a kingdom of priests for God. This passage underscores Jesus’ role as the ruler of all creation and the eternal nature of His kingdom.
In the Gospel, Jesus stands before Pilate, who questions Him about His claim to kingship. Jesus responds by clarifying that His kingdom is not of this world. While earthly kingdoms rely on power and coercion, Jesus’ kingdom is built on truth and love. He was born and came into the world to testify to the truth, and His voice is heard by all who belong to the truth. This exchange highlights the radical difference between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of God. Jesus’ reign is not about domination but about redemption, not about power but about love.
These readings invite us to reflect on the nature of true kingship and our place within God’s kingdom. In a world often dominated by power struggles and fleeting ambitions, we are called to live as citizens of a heavenly kingdom, prioritizing truth, love, and service. Let us ask ourselves: Do we recognize Jesus as the true King of our lives? Do we seek to live according to the values of His kingdom—values of humility, compassion, and integrity? May we hear Jesus’ voice and follow Him faithfully, knowing that His kingdom, though not of this world, transforms the world from within.