Daily Readings - Sun Nov 17 2024
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 faith, preparation, and the ultimate triumph of God's plan. The Book of Daniel paints a vivid picture of the end times, where the archangel Michael leads the faithful through a period of great distress. It emphasizes that those whose names are written in the book will be saved, highlighting the importance of steadfast faith and the role of teachers who guide others towards righteousness, shining like stars in eternity.
The Letter to the Hebrews contrasts the endless sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice, once offered, achieves eternal redemption, underscoring the completeness and sufficiency of His work. This reading invites us to reflect on the profound grace offered through Christ, freeing us from the cycle of sin and sacrifice.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus describes His glorious return, urging us to be vigilant and attentive to the signs of the times, much like recognizing the budding of a fig tree. He reminds us that while the exact timing of His return is unknown, His words endure eternally. This calls us to live each day with purpose, nurturing our faith, and sharing the Good News with others.
As we reflect on these readings, let us embrace a life of preparedness and trust in God's timing. May we remain faithful, teach others with love, and trust in the eternal power of Christ's sacrifice. Let us live each day mindful of God's presence, ready to meet Him, and steadfast in our commitment to His will.