Daily Readings - Sun Nov 23 2025
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 encounter three distinct yet interconnected scenes that guide us toward a deeper understanding of leadership, redemption, and divine love. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts David’s anointing as King of Israel, highlighting the people’s recognition of his leadership and God’s covenant with him. This historical event sets the stage for reflecting on leadership as a sacred trust, entrusted not for personal glory but for the welfare of the people.
The second reading from Colossians presents a hymn to Christ, celebrating Him as the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church. This passage elevates our understanding of Jesus beyond a historical figure, portraying Him as the divine ruler who reconciles all things through His blood. It invites us to contemplate the cosmic significance of Christ’s mission and our place within His redemptive plan.
The Gospel from Luke vividly depicts the crucifixion, where Jesus, mocked as the King of the Jews, embodies humility and forgiveness. The exchange with the repentant thief illustrates the transformative power of faith and mercy. Here, Jesus’s kingship is not about power but about selfless love, offering salvation even in His final moments.
These readings weave together to reveal Jesus as the true King, whose reign is characterized by love and redemption. In our daily lives, we are called to recognize Jesus’s gentle yet profound kingship. His leadership is a call to humility, compassion, and trust in divine providence. As we navigate our own trials, may we turn to Jesus, seeking His mercy and striving to reflect His love in our actions. Let us remember that true leadership, as exemplified by Christ, is not about dominance but about serving and bringing hope to others. In this, we find the essence of living under the reign of God’s love.