Daily Readings - Thu Nov 29 2018
Revelation
1After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor.2With a mighty voice he shouted: "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.21Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: "With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again.22The music of harpists and musicians, flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No workman of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again.23The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world's great men. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
1After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,2for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants."3And again they shouted: "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever."9Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God."
Luke
20"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.25"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two profound passages that invite us to reflect on judgment, redemption, and our response to God's plan. The first reading from Revelation vividly describes the fall of Babylon, a symbol of corruption and oppression, while the second reading from Luke presents Jesus' discourse on the end times, urging vigilance and trust in God's providence.
Revelation uses Babylon to represent systems of oppression and corruption, while Luke's passage is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, where He foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times. Both readings connect through themes of judgment and redemption, reminding us that God's justice will prevail, and His plan will unfold in His time.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to stay grounded in faith, trusting in God's ultimate triumph. We are called to live with integrity, prepared to face challenges with hope, knowing that our redemption is near. Let us embrace this hope, staying vigilant and faithful, trusting in God's love and justice.