Daily Readings - Wed Nov 23 2022
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 are presented with vivid imagery and profound teachings that invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, perseverance, and God's ultimate triumph. The first reading from Revelation paints a picture of the final victory of God over evil, with the faithful standing on a sea of glass, singing hymns of praise. This vision is a reminder that, despite the trials and tribulations we face, God's justice and love will ultimately prevail. The Gospel from Luke, however, brings us back to the present, where Jesus warns His disciples about the persecutions they will endure for His name. He assures them that they will be given the strength and wisdom to testify to their faith, even in the face of adversity.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on trust and perseverance. Revelation offers a glimpse of the eternal reward for those who remain faithful, while Luke's Gospel equips us with the courage to face the challenges of the here and now. Both readings remind us that our faith is not just about waiting for the future; it is about living it out in the present, even when the road is difficult. Jesus’ promise that "not a hair of your head will perish" is not a guarantee of physical safety but a assurance of spiritual survival. Our souls, nourished by patience and trust in God, will endure.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us remember that faith is not about avoiding struggles but about facing them with courage and grace. When we encounter trials, whether personal or communal, let us draw strength from the knowledge that we are part of a larger story—one that ends in God’s victory. May we, like the faithful in Revelation, sing His praises even in the midst of turmoil, and may we, like the disciples in Luke, testify to His love with patience and perseverance. In doing so, we not only endure our trials but also allow them to transform us, drawing us closer to the heart of God.