Daily Readings - Sun Nov 06 2022
2 Thessalonians
1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Luke
27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,34And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.38For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful reflections on faith, hope, and the promise of eternal life. The first reading from 2 Maccabees narrates the courageous story of seven brothers and their mother who endure brutal torture rather than betray their faith. Their unwavering belief in the resurrection gives them the strength to face death, trusting that God will raise them to eternal life. This story highlights the profound trust in God's promise even in the face of extreme adversity.
The second reading from 2 Thessalonians offers a prayer for strength and perseverance, encouraging the community to remain faithful despite challenges. It reminds us that while not everyone may remain faithful, God is always faithful, providing the strength needed to live according to His will. This reading complements the first by emphasizing the importance of steadfastness in faith, a theme that is central to both.
In the Gospel, Jesus engages with the Sadducees, who question the concept of resurrection. Jesus explains that life after resurrection is beyond earthly bonds like marriage, resembling the angels and being children of God. He affirms that God is the God of the living, not the dead, reinforcing the reality of eternal life. This teaching ties together the themes of resurrection and trust in God's plan.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith and hope. In our daily lives, we face various trials, but the promise of resurrection reminds us that our struggles are temporary. We are called to trust in God's eternal plan, just as the Maccabean brothers did, and to remain steadfast in our faith, as encouraged by Paul. Let us hold onto this hope, knowing that our true home is with God, where we will live in eternal joy and peace.