Daily Readings - Sun Nov 14 2021
Daniel
1"At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people-everyone whose name is found written in the book-will be delivered.2Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.3Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Hebrews
11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.13Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool,14because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.
Mark
24"But in those days, following that distress, "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;25the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'26"At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.27And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.28"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.29Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.30I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.32"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through themes of hope, sacrifice, and vigilance, all pointing us toward the eternal plan of God. The first reading from Daniel presents a vision of the end times, where the archangel Michael will rise to protect God's people, and the dead will be judged based on their deeds. This passage reminds us that our actions have consequences and that God's justice will ultimately prevail. The second reading from Hebrews contrasts the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the perfect, once-for-one sacrifice of Christ, which has forever sanctified those who believe in him. This emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. In the Gospel, Mark 13, Jesus speaks about the signs of the end times and the coming of the Son of Man. He encourages his disciples to be attentive and ready, using the parable of the fig tree to illustrate the importance of discerning the signs of the times.
These readings are deeply connected. Daniel and Mark both speak of a future time of great upheaval and transformation, while Hebrews provides the theological foundation for understanding the ultimate purpose of these events. The resurrection of the dead in Daniel and the gathering of the elect in Mark point to God's plan to bring creation to its fulfillment. Hebrews ties this together by showing how Christ's sacrifice has made possible the salvation of those who will be raised and glorified. Together, the readings invite us to live with hope and confidence, knowing that God's plan is unfolding even in the midst of uncertainty.
As we reflect on these readings, let us apply their message to our daily lives. In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, we are called to remain vigilant and faithful, trusting in God's providence. Just as the fig tree signals the coming of summer, so too can we discern the signs of God's presence and action in our lives. Let us live with purpose, striving to teach and inspire others in the ways of justice and holiness, as Daniel suggests. Above all, let us take comfort in the truth that Christ's sacrifice has already secured our salvation, and that his word will endure forever. May we embrace this hope and live each day in preparation for the eternal life that awaits us.