Daily Readings - Sat Nov 19 2022
Revelation
4These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.5And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.6These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.7And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.8And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.9And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.10And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.11And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
Luke
27Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,28Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.29There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.30And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.31And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.32Last of all the woman died also.33Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.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.39Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.40And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the ultimate triumph of God’s plan and the nature of eternal life. In the first reading from Revelation, we encounter the dramatic vision of the two witnesses who prophesy, suffer, and ultimately rise again in glory. These witnesses symbolize the enduring power of God’s truth, even in the face of persecution and death. Their resurrection and ascension into heaven remind us that no matter how dark the trials of this world may seem, God’s victory is assured. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel shifts our focus to a question about the resurrection, posed by the Sadducees. Jesus’ response emphasizes that life after death is not a continuation of earthly existence but a transformation into something entirely new. In heaven, relationships are not bound by the same rules as on earth, for we will live as children of God, equal to the angels, in a state where death no longer has power.
These readings are connected by their focus on the mystery of eternal life and the ultimate triumph of God’s plan. Revelation shows us the cosmic struggle between good and evil, while Luke’s Gospel offers a more intimate glimpse into the nature of resurrection. Together, they remind us that our lives are not limited to this world. The struggles, sorrows, and even the injustices we face here are temporary, for we are destined for a life that transcends death. Jesus’ words to the Sadducees invite us to trust in the promise of resurrection, while the vision in Revelation calls us to perseverance and hope, even when the forces of evil seem to prevail.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to live with our eyes fixed on eternity. They remind us that our ultimate identity is not defined by our earthly relationships or accomplishments but by our relationship with God. Like the two witnesses, we are called to bear witness to God’s truth, even when it is uncomfortable or costly. And like the resurrected life described by Jesus, we are invited to live in a way that reflects our belief in the eternal life that awaits us. May we, therefore, embrace the hope of resurrection and live each day with confidence in God’s plan, trusting that He will bring all things to their fulfillment in His time.