Daily Readings - Thu Nov 28 2024
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
In today’s readings, we are presented with vivid imagery of judgment and redemption, both from Revelation and the Gospel of Luke. The first reading from Revelation describes the fall of Babylon, a symbol of corruption and oppression, using dramatic imagery such as a millstone cast into the sea and the absence of music and light. This is followed by a heavenly celebration, with voices praising God for his just judgment. In the Gospel, Jesus warns of the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs that will precede the end times, urging his followers to remain vigilant and hopeful, for their redemption is near.
These readings, though written in different contexts, share a common theme: the ultimate triumph of God’s justice and the call to trust in his plan. Revelation was written to encourage early Christians facing persecution, while Luke’s passage was part of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, preparing his disciples for the challenges they would face. Both remind us that God’s judgment is not about destruction but about restoring justice and purity. The fall of Babylon and the fall of Jerusalem are not ends in themselves but point to the larger story of God’s redemption.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to live with hope and integrity. In a world that often seems torn apart by injustice and suffering, we are called to trust that God’s justice will prevail. Let us not be complacent or discouraged but instead live with faith, perseverance, and hope. May we remain attentive to God’s presence in our lives, knowing that even in the midst of trials, our ultimate redemption draws near.