Daily Readings - Thu Nov 24 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on judgment, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of God’s justice. In the first reading from Revelation, we see the dramatic fall of Babylon, a symbol of corruption and evil, and the joyful celebration of God’s victory in heaven. The city, once filled with life and music, is now silent and desolate, a testament to the consequences of turning away from God. The Gospel from Luke, however, shifts our focus to the future, as Jesus describes the signs of the end times and the coming of the Son of Man. He warns of great distress and upheaval but also offers a message of hope: when these events begin to unfold, we are to lift our heads, for our redemption is near.
Both readings are set against the backdrop of apocalyptic imagery, which can be unsettling, but they are ultimately about trust in God’s plan. Revelation was written to comfort persecuted Christians, reminding them that despite the powers of evil in the world, God’s justice will prevail. Similarly, Luke’s passage is part of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, where He prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face, including the destruction of Jerusalem. These readings remind us that God’s judgment is not just punishment but also a call to repentance and a promise of ultimate restoration.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to remain faithful and hopeful, even in the face of uncertainty and trial. They invite us to interpret the chaos of the world through the lens of faith, trusting that God is always working to bring about good. Let us not be afraid of the unknown but instead focus on living lives rooted in love, compassion, and fidelity to God’s will. As we await the final redemption, may we lift our heads with confidence, knowing that God’s justice and mercy will guide us through all things.