Daily Readings - Sun Nov 24 2019

2 Samuel

1All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "We are your own flesh and blood.2In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.'"3When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel.

Colossians

12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Luke

35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."38There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. "43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of kingship, leadership, and redemption. In the first reading from 2 Samuel, David is anointed king of Israel, marking the beginning of his earthly reign. This passage emphasizes God’s choice of David as a shepherd for His people, highlighting the divine origin of his authority. The second reading from Colossians shifts our gaze to the eternal kingship of Christ, who is the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church. Here, we see that Jesus’ reign is not limited to a earthly kingdom but encompasses all creation, reconciling all things through His sacrifice. The Gospel from Luke brings us to the cross, where Jesus, mocked as the “King of the Jews,” reveals the true nature of His kingship through forgiveness and mercy. Even in His suffering, Jesus extends the promise of paradise to the repentant thief, showing that His kingdom is one of grace and redemption. These readings are deeply connected, as they all point to the nature of true leadership and authority. David’s anointing as king prefigures the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who reigns not through power or domination but through love and self-giving. The Colossians passage reminds us that Jesus is the source and sustainer of all creation, and His kingship is rooted in His redemptive work. The Gospel scene on Calvary shows us that Jesus’ kingship is paradoxically revealed in His vulnerability and mercy. Together, these readings call us to reevaluate our understanding of leadership and power, inviting us to embrace a way of life shaped by humility, forgiveness, and trust in God’s plan. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that true greatness is found in serving others and imitating Christ’s self-giving love. Like David, we are called to lead with integrity and compassion, recognizing that our authority comes from God. Like the repentant thief, we are invited to turn to Jesus in faith, trusting in His promise of eternal life. In a world often dominated by power struggles and self-interest, these readings challenge us to live as citizens of God’s kingdom, where love, mercy, and humility reign supreme. May we strive to follow Christ, the King who rules with an outstretched arm and an open heart, and may we find our true home in the paradise He promises.