Daily Readings - Wed Nov 27 2024
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 guide us through the challenges of faith and the promise of divine triumph. The first reading from Revelation 15:1-4 offers a vision of the end times, where seven angels bear the final plagues, and the victorious stand before a sea of glass, praising God with harps and song. This apocalyptic scene, rich in symbolism, reminds us of God's ultimate judgment and the triumph of those who persevere through trials. The second reading from Luke 21:12-19 shifts focus to Jesus' words of warning to His disciples, foretelling persecution and betrayal. Yet, amidst these trials, Jesus assures them of God's presence, promising wisdom and strength to endure, with the ultimate assurance that not a hair will perish and their souls will be saved through patience.
Both readings, though distinct in context, share a common theme of perseverance in the face of adversity. Revelation, with its apocalyptic imagery, serves as a reminder of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, encouraging believers to remain steadfast. Luke's passage, part of the Olivet Discourse, is a practical guide for living through persecution, emphasizing trust in God's providence. Together, they teach us that our present struggles, though real, are part of a larger narrative where God's justice and love prevail.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace faith and perseverance. When faced with challenges, we are called to trust in God's plan, knowing that our trials have purpose. Like the disciples, we may face opposition, but we are assured of God's wisdom and strength. The moral lesson here is clear: our endurance, rooted in faith, will lead us to triumph. Let us, therefore, stand firm, trusting that God is with us, even in our darkest hours, guiding us toward ultimate victory.