Daily Readings - Thu Nov 20 2025
Luke
41And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,42Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.43For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,44And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on fidelity to God and the consequences of spiritual blindness. In the first reading from 1 Maccabees, we encounter Mattathias, a Jewish priest who refuses to compromise his faith in the face of persecution. When ordered by King Antiochus to sacrifice to idols and abandon the law of Moses, Mattathias stands firm, even to the point of killing the Jew who would comply with the king’s decree. His boldness is rooted in his deep conviction that the law of God is non-negotiable, and he calls others to join him in fidelity to the covenant. This passage reminds us that our faith is not a convenience but a commitment that may require sacrifice and courage in the face of opposition.
In the Gospel, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting the city’s failure to recognize the time of its visitation. Jesus’ tears reveal his deep sorrow over the spiritual blindness of those who have rejected him. The destruction he prophesies is not a desire but a consequence of turning away from God’s offer of peace. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we open to God’s presence in our lives, or are we too caught up in our own ways to recognize his visitation?
The connection between the two readings lies in their emphasis on fidelity and spiritual awareness. Mattathias’ courage to stand firm in the face of persecution is a testament to the power of faith, while Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem warns us of the dangers of spiritual complacency. Together, they invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God. Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it is difficult? Are we attentive to God’s presence in our lives, or are we allowing the distractions of the world to blind us to his grace?
As we go about our daily lives, let us ask for the courage of Mattathias and the openness of heart that Jesus desires. May we remain faithful to God’s law, even in the face of challenges, and may we never grow complacent in our spiritual lives. Let us strive to recognize and embrace the ways in which God visits us, that we might live in peace and fidelity to his will.