Daily Readings - Thu Nov 26 2020
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 themes of judgment, redemption, and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Revelation vividly describes the fall of Babylon, a symbol of evil and corruption, and the subsequent celebration in heaven. This apocalyptic vision reminds us of God’s ultimate victory over evil, urging us to remain detached from worldly allurements. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of the end times, emphasizing the need for vigilance and trust in God’s providence.
Both readings, though set in different contexts, unite in their message of judgment and redemption. Revelation’s cosmic perspective contrasts with Luke’s historical prophecy, yet both point to the same truth: God’s justice will prevail. This duality calls us to reflect on our own lives, recognizing that amidst life’s turmoil, God’s plan unfolds. We are reminded to stay faithful, trusting in His will and seeking His truth.
In our daily lives, these readings inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith, avoiding the enticements of a corrupt world. They encourage us to trust in God’s plan, even when faced with uncertainty. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God and seek His will, for His justice and love will guide us through all trials. Let us lift our hearts, knowing our redemption is near.