Daily Readings - Fri Nov 15 2024
2 John
4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.5And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.6And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Luke
26And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.27They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.28Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.30Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.31In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.32Remember Lot's wife.33Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.34I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.35Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.36Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.37And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of fidelity, love, and preparedness. In the Second Letter of John, we hear a heartfelt exhortation to remain faithful to the commandment of love and to walk in the truth. John rejoices to see believers living according to God’s will but also warns against deceivers who reject the truth of Christ’s incarnation. He reminds us that love is not merely a feeling but a commitment to living according to God’s commandments. This letter emphasizes the importance of remaining rooted in the doctrine of Christ, for only then can we have true union with the Father and the Son.
The Gospel from Luke presents a stark contrast between life as usual and the suddenness of God’s judgment. Jesus compares the days of Noah and Lot to the day when the Son of Man will be revealed. Just as the flood and fire destroyed those unprepared, so too will the Lord’s coming catch many off guard. Jesus warns against attachment to worldly possessions and comforts, urging us to be vigilant and detached. The imagery of one being taken and the other left behind reminds us that our ultimate destiny depends on our readiness to follow God without hesitation. The story of Lot’s wife, who looked back, serves as a caution against nostalgia for a life that is passing away.
These readings call us to live with integrity and purpose. Like John, we are to love one another by walking in the truth of Christ’s teachings. Like those in Noah’s and Lot’s time, we are to be prepared for the unexpected, trusting in God’s plan rather than becoming complacent in our current way of life. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we are reminded to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and to live in such a way that we are ready to meet him at any moment. Let us strive to remain faithful, to love without reserve, and to be prepared for the day when the Lord will reveal himself in glory.