Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 28, 2018
First Reading: Revelation 15.1-4
1I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues--last, because with them God's wrath is completed.2And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God3and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages.4Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."
Psalm 98
1Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.2The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.3He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;5make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,6with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn- shout for joy before the LORD, the King.7Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.8Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy;9let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.
Gospel: Luke 21.12-19
12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.13This will result in your being witnesses to them.14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.17All men will hate you because of me.18But not a hair of your head will perish.19By standing firm you will gain life.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful images of triumph and perseverance in the face of adversity. The first reading from Revelation presents a vision of heavenly glory, where those who have overcome the forces of evil stand victorious on a sea of glass, singing hymns of praise to God. This apocalyptic scene reminds us that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately prevail, and all nations will come to worship Him. The Gospel, from Luke, shifts our focus to the challenges of discipleship. Jesus warns His followers that they will face persecution, betrayal, and even death because of their faith. Yet, He assures them that they will be given the words to testify and that not a hair on their heads will perish, for their ultimate victory lies in patience and trust in God.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on faith and perseverance. Revelation offers a glimpse of the final triumph of God’s people, while Luke’s Gospel prepares us for the trials that must come first. Both readings remind us that our faith is not a path to comfort or ease but a call to stand firm in the face of adversity. The vision in Revelation is not just a future hope but a present reality that strengthens us to endure. Similarly, Jesus’ words in the Gospel are not meant to frighten but to encourage us to trust in His providence and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to challenges. Do we see them as opportunities to grow in faith, or do we allow fear and doubt to take root? Like the early disciples, we may face opposition, misunderstanding, or even betrayal. Yet, Jesus promises us the grace to bear witness to His love and truth, even in the most difficult moments. Let us draw strength from the vision of Revelation, knowing that our perseverance will lead us to eternal glory. And let us trust in Jesus’ promise that He will give us the words and wisdom we need, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. In a world that often tests our faith, may we remain steadfast, knowing that our ultimate victory is already secured in Christ.