Daily Readings - Wed Nov 25 2020
Revelation
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."
Luke
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 perseverance, divine justice, and the ultimate triumph of God. The first reading from Revelation presents a vision of the saints standing victorious on a sea of glass, singing hymns of praise to God. They have overcome the beast and its false allure, and now they celebrate God’s wondrous works and just ways. This apocalyptic imagery reminds us that God’s plan is unfolding, even when the world seems consumed by chaos. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel shifts our focus to the present. Jesus warns His disciples of the persecutions they will face because of His name. He assures them that these trials are opportunities to bear witness to the truth and promises that the Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak. Despite the challenges, Jesus encourages them to remain steadfast, for not a hair of their head will perish, and by their patience, they will save their souls.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on enduring trials with faith and trust in God. Revelation offers a glimpse of the final victory, where the saints stand triumphant, while Luke’s Gospel focuses on the journey of discipleship, where perseverance in the face of adversity is essential. Both readings remind us that our struggles are not in vain. God’s justice will prevail, and His wisdom will guide us through even the darkest times. In a world filled with uncertainty, these readings call us to remain faithful, knowing that our ultimate hope is in God’s eternal plan.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to the challenges in our own lives? Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we allow fear and doubt to take hold? Jesus assures us that we are not alone; He will give us the strength and the words to face whatever comes our way. Let us embrace the call to patience and perseverance, knowing that these virtues will help us possess our souls in peace. In the end, it is not the trials we endure but our faithfulness that will be our greatest witness to the power of God’s love.