Daily Readings - Sun Nov 20 2022
2 Samuel
1Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.2Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.3So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
Colossians
12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Luke
35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through themes of leadership, redemption, and divine kingship, each offering profound insights into God's plan and our place within it. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts David's anointing as king over Israel, highlighting his earthly leadership and the covenant made with his people. This narrative underscores the importance of recognizing and embracing God's chosen leaders, reflecting a community united under divine guidance.
The second reading from Colossians elevates our gaze to the divine, portraying Jesus as the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church. It emphasizes Jesus' role in creation and redemption, illustrating His supremacy over all things visible and invisible. This passage invites us to contemplate the cosmic significance of Christ's mission and our participation in His redemptive work.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus on the cross, mocked by leaders yet acknowledged by a repentant thief. This scene contrasts earthly skepticism with humble faith, as the thief recognizes Jesus' kingship even in His suffering. Jesus' promise of Paradise to the thief exemplifies His mercy and the assurance of salvation to those who trust in Him.
These readings intertwine to reveal the nature of true kingship and leadership. David's earthly reign prefigures Christ's divine kingship, while the thief's faith exemplifies the humility and trust required to recognize God's plan. In our lives, we are called to lead with humility, trusting in God's providence, and to seek redemption through faith in Jesus, our true King.
As we reflect on these readings, let us embrace the call to trust in God's plan, recognizing His presence in our lives. May we lead with humility and seek redemption through faith, remembering that true kingship is not about power but about serving and loving as Christ did. In doing so, we find our place within God's grand narrative of salvation.