Daily Readings - Sun Nov 21 2021
Daniel
13"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.14He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Revelation
5before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.6To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.7Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.8"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
John
33Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"34"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"35"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"36Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."37"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter a profound vision of God’s eternal kingdom and the true nature of Jesus’ kingship. The first reading from Daniel describes a vision of the "son of man" coming on the clouds of heaven, receiving eternal power and dominion over all peoples. This vision points to the universal and everlasting reign of God’s kingdom, which transcends the fleeting powers of this world. The second reading from Revelation reaffirms this vision, declaring Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who has made us a kingdom of priests for God. This passage underscores Jesus’ role as the ruler of all creation and the eternal nature of His kingdom.
In the Gospel, Jesus stands before Pilate, who questions Him about His claim to kingship. Jesus responds by clarifying that His kingdom is not of this world. While earthly kingdoms rely on power and coercion, Jesus’ kingdom is built on truth and love. He was born and came into the world to testify to the truth, and His voice is heard by all who belong to the truth. This exchange highlights the radical difference between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of God. Jesus’ reign is not about domination but about redemption, not about power but about love.
These readings invite us to reflect on the nature of true kingship and our place within God’s kingdom. In a world often dominated by power struggles and fleeting ambitions, we are called to live as citizens of a heavenly kingdom, prioritizing truth, love, and service. Let us ask ourselves: Do we recognize Jesus as the true King of our lives? Do we seek to live according to the values of His kingdom—values of humility, compassion, and integrity? May we hear Jesus’ voice and follow Him faithfully, knowing that His kingdom, though not of this world, transforms the world from within.