Daily Readings - Sun Nov 17 2019
Malachi
1"Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the LORD Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them.2But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
2 Thessalonians
7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,8nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."11We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.
Luke
5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."7"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"8He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of preparation, faithfulness, and perseverance in the face of uncertainty and trial. In the first reading, Malachi speaks of the Day of the Lord, a time of purification when the wicked will face judgment, but the righteous will find healing and joy in the “Sun of Justice.” This passage reminds us that God’s justice is both purifying and restorative, calling us to live with integrity and hope. The second reading from 2 Thessalonians emphasizes the importance of living responsibly and working diligently, even as we await the Lord’s return. Paul and his companions set an example of hard work and self-sufficiency, encouraging the community to avoid idleness and disorder. Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples about the signs of the end times—wars, natural disasters, and persecutions—but assures them that even in the midst of chaos, their perseverance will ultimately lead to victory.
These readings are interconnected in their call to faithfulness and preparedness. Malachi and Luke both point to a future day of reckoning, while 2 Thessalonians provides practical wisdom for living in the present. Together, they remind us that our lives must be rooted in trust in God’s providence, even as we face challenges and uncertainties. The destruction of the Temple in Luke’s Gospel serves as a metaphor for the impermanence of earthly things, urging us to focus on what truly endures: our relationship with God and our commitment to living according to His will.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are called to live with integrity, diligence, and hope. Like the disciples, we may face trials and persecutions, but these are opportunities to bear witness to our faith. Let us embrace the wisdom of Paul’s example, working hard and avoiding idleness, not only for our own sake but for the sake of others. And when we encounter difficulties, let us remember Jesus’ promise: “Not a hair of your head will perish. By your patience, you shall possess your souls.” May we trust in God’s plan, remain steadfast in our faith, and live each day with the hope of eternal life.