Daily Readings - Wed Nov 16 2022
Revelation
1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.7In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:11"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Luke
11While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.12He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.13So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'14"But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'15"He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.16"The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'17"'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'18"The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.'19"His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'20"Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth.21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'22"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'24"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'25"'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'26"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.27But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them--bring them here and kill them in front of me.'"28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
Sermon
The first reading from Revelation paints a vivid picture of the heavenly throne room, where God is seated in majesty, surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures. This vision is a glimpse into the eternal worship of God, where all creation acknowledges His holiness and power. The scene is one of awe-inspiring beauty and order, emphasizing God’s transcendence and the reverence due to Him. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel tells the parable of the ten pounds, a story about stewardship and accountability. A nobleman entrusts his servants with his wealth before departing to receive a kingdom. Upon his return, he rewards those who multiplied their portion but condemns the one who buried his pound out of fear. This parable underscores the importance of faithfulness and initiative in using the gifts and resources we have been given.
Both readings, though seemingly different, point to the same truth: our lives are lived under the gaze of God, and we are called to respond with faithfulness and reverence. In Revelation, we see the ultimate reality of God’s throne room, where all creation worships Him without ceasing. This vision reminds us that our lives are not just about the here and now but are part of a larger cosmic story. In the parable, Jesus challenges us to think about how we use the talents, time, and resources entrusted to us. The servants who took risks and multiplied their pounds were rewarded, while the one who played it safe out of fear lost everything. This teaches us that faithfulness is not about preserving the status quo but about taking initiative to grow what we have been given.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I using the gifts God has given me? Am I living with a sense of purpose and responsibility, knowing that one day I will give an account of my life? The heavenly vision in Revelation invites us to cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God, recognizing that He is the source of all things. The parable in Luke encourages us to embrace the risks and challenges of discipleship, trusting that God’s grace will empower us to live fruitfully. May we strive to live in such a way that, when we stand before the throne of God, we can say with confidence, “I have used what you gave me to build your kingdom.”