Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 21, 2022
First Reading: Revelation 14.1-3, 4b-5
1And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.2And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Psalm 24
1The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.2For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.3Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.6This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.7Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.9Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.10Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Gospel: Luke 21.1-4
1And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.2And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.3And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:4For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
Sermon
The first reading from Revelation paints a vivid picture of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, surrounded by 144,000 redeemed souls. These individuals are described as pure and unblemished, having been faithful to God without compromise. The passage emphasizes their devotion to the Lamb and their purity of heart, as they sing a new canticle before the throne of God. This vision is a glimpse into the ultimate triumph of God’s people, who have remained steadfast in their faith despite the challenges of the world.
In the Gospel, Luke presents a stark contrast between the wealthy who give from their abundance and the poor widow who offers her last two coins. Jesus points out that the widow’s offering, though small in material value, is far greater in the eyes of God because it represents her total surrender and trust in God’s providence. This teaching challenges us to reflect on the quality of our own giving—whether it is done with love, generosity, and faith, or merely out of obligation.
Both readings invite us to consider the depth of our commitment to God. The 144,000 in Revelation represent those who have given their all to follow the Lamb, while the widow in Luke exemplifies radical trust in God’s care. In our daily lives, we are called to live with this same kind of surrender and generosity. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we are to offer everything to God, trusting that He will provide for us. Let us strive to live as people of faith, giving freely and loving deeply, just as the widow and the redeemed in today’s readings.