Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 28, 2021
First Reading: Jeremiah 33.14-16
14Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.15In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.16In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Psalm 25
1Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.6Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.8Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.11For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.16Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.20O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3.12 – 4.2
Gospel: Luke 21.25-28, 34-36
25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of expectation, moral living, and preparedness. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of a future time when God will fulfill His promise to Israel and Judah, bringing justice and restoration through a messianic figure. This message of hope is set against the backdrop of exile, offering comfort to a people in despair. The second reading from Thessalonians encourages believers to live in a way that pleases God, abounding in love and maintaining moral integrity as they await the return of the Lord. The Gospel from Luke, part of Jesus' Olivet discourse, urges vigilance and prayer as signs of the end times unfold, reminding us to stay alert and prepared for the Lord's coming.
Each reading, though distinct, weaves together a narrative of expectation and readiness. Jeremiah's prophecy points to the hope of justice and restoration, while Thessalonians emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life as we anticipate the Lord's return. Luke's passage, with its imagery of cosmic signs and the urgency to remain vigilant, underscores the need for constant prayer and mindfulness. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is rooted in hope and that our actions should reflect our commitment to living according to God's will.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to cultivate hope, live with integrity, and remain prayerful. Let us trust in God's promises, striving to love more deeply and live more justly. May we approach each day with the readiness of those who know that our redemption is near, trusting in God's plan and living faithfully in His grace.