Daily Readings - Thu Nov 14 2019
Luke
20Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation,21nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."22Then he said to his disciples, "The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.23Men will tell you, 'There he is!' or 'Here he is!' Do not go running off after them.24For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.25But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on the nature of God’s presence and wisdom. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes wisdom as a divine, all-encompassing spirit that permeates creation. It is holy, pure, and ever-active, reaching into all things while remaining unchanged. Wisdom is portrayed as the very breath of God, the brightness of eternal light, and the mirror of God’s majesty. This passage invites us to contemplate the beauty and generosity of God’s wisdom, which is not only a gift but also a call to live in harmony with it.
The Gospel reading from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of God. When asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom would arrive, Jesus responds that it does not come with observable signs or in a particular location. Instead, he declares, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” This statement challenges us to look inward, to recognize that God’s reign is already present in our hearts and lives. Jesus also warns against chasing after false appearances of the Kingdom, urging his disciples to remain steadfast and not be deceived. He compares the coming of the Son of Man to lightning, which illuminates the entire sky—unexpected and all-encompassing. Yet, before that day, Jesus must suffer and be rejected, reminding us that the path to glory often passes through the cross.
Together, these readings invite us to embrace a deeper understanding of God’s presence in our lives. The Book of Wisdom calls us to seek and cherish the divine wisdom that orders all things, while the Gospel challenges us to recognize the Kingdom of God already at work within us. In a world often distracted by external signs and fleeting promises, these readings remind us to cultivate interior conversion and to live with eyes open to the subtle yet profound ways God is at work. Let us ask for the grace to dwell in wisdom and to trust in the quiet, transformative power of God’s Kingdom within us.