Daily Readings - Wed Nov 23 2022
Revelation
1And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.2And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Luke
12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.13And it shall turn to you for a testimony.14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.18But there shall not an hair of your head perish.19In your patience possess ye your souls.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with vivid imagery and profound teachings that invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, perseverance, and God's ultimate triumph. The first reading from Revelation paints a picture of the final victory of God over evil, with the faithful standing on a sea of glass, singing hymns of praise. This vision is a reminder that, despite the trials and tribulations we face, God's justice and love will ultimately prevail. The Gospel from Luke, however, brings us back to the present, where Jesus warns His disciples about the persecutions they will endure for His name. He assures them that they will be given the strength and wisdom to testify to their faith, even in the face of adversity.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on trust and perseverance. Revelation offers a glimpse of the eternal reward for those who remain faithful, while Luke's Gospel equips us with the courage to face the challenges of the here and now. Both readings remind us that our faith is not just about waiting for the future; it is about living it out in the present, even when the road is difficult. Jesus’ promise that "not a hair of your head will perish" is not a guarantee of physical safety but a assurance of spiritual survival. Our souls, nourished by patience and trust in God, will endure.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us remember that faith is not about avoiding struggles but about facing them with courage and grace. When we encounter trials, whether personal or communal, let us draw strength from the knowledge that we are part of a larger story—one that ends in God’s victory. May we, like the faithful in Revelation, sing His praises even in the midst of turmoil, and may we, like the disciples in Luke, testify to His love with patience and perseverance. In doing so, we not only endure our trials but also allow them to transform us, drawing us closer to the heart of God.